By Daniel Bampoe
Proceedings in the ongoing trial of former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene have taken a new evidentiary turn, with the prosecution introducing testimony that shifts focus from institutional authorisations to the operational handling of funds after they were withdrawn.
At the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga, the third prosecution witness, Mildred Donkor, presented a detailed account of how cheque books allegedly pre-signed by Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng, were later used to withdraw funds from multiple company-linked accounts.
Her testimony marks a significant phase in the trial, coming after months of cross-examination of earlier witnesses that had largely centered on the origin and authorisation of the GH¢49.1 million at the heart of the case.
Shift from Authorisation To Execution
While earlier proceedings explored whether the funds were properly authorised within the national security structure, the prosecution is now drawing attention to how monies were accessed and distributed after leaving official accounts.
Taking the witness stand, Mildred Donkor—identified as a former director of Advantage Solutions Limited—told the court that cheque books linked to several entities were signed in advance by the accused persons.
According to her, these pre-signed cheque leaflets were subsequently completed and used to withdraw funds on various occasions.
She identified a total of 12 cheque books presented in court, linking them to accounts held at Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) in the names of Advantage Solutions Limited and other associated entities, including BNC Communications Bureau Ltd and Vertex Solutions Ltd.
When asked directly by the prosecution whether the cheque books formed part of the pre-signed instruments she had earlier referenced, she repeatedly confirmed: “Yes, my lord,” maintaining that both Adu-Boahene and his wife were signatories.
Inside The Withdrawal Process
Providing a detailed account of her role, Donkor told the court that her involvement began after the cheques had already been signed.
Acting on verbal instructions, she said she filled in the cheque amounts before proceeding to withdraw funds either personally or through intermediaries.
According to her testimony, the withdrawn funds were handled in different ways—some delivered directly to the accused persons, others routed through her before reaching their final destinations, and some disbursed to third parties.
Among the beneficiaries she mentioned was Margaret Aba Donkor, identified as the mother of Adu-Boahene, who allegedly received funds for construction-related expenses at a project site in Asokore, Kumasi.
She further indicated that portions of the withdrawn monies were used to pay suppliers of building materials, including cement and iron rods, suggesting that part of the funds may have gone into real estate development activities.
Personal Records And Evidentiary Dispute
In an attempt to support her claims, the witness told the court that she kept independent records of the transactions, including handwritten notes in a notebook and entries in an Excel spreadsheet for reconciliation purposes.
She indicated her intention to tender these materials as evidence. However, this move was met with immediate resistance from the defence team led by Samuel Atta Akyea, who objected to their admission on the grounds that the materials—particularly a pen drive—had only just been served on them.
The defence argued that they required adequate time to review the documents before they could be admitted into evidence, raising concerns about procedural fairness.
The prosecution subsequently agreed to defer the tendering of the materials, allowing the court to maintain the integrity of the proceedings.
Charges And Legal Stakes
The case remains one of the most high-profile criminal prosecutions in recent years, with Adu-Boahene facing multiple charges including defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, and using public office for personal gain.
His wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng, is also standing trial on charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering.
Both have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Broader Context of the Trial
The testimony of Mildred Donkor introduces a new dimension to the case, focusing less on whether the funds were authorised—an issue that earlier witnesses addressed—and more on the chain of custody and utilisation of funds after withdrawal.
Legal analysts say this shift could prove critical, as the prosecution appears to be building a narrative around intent, control, and personal benefit, rather than solely relying on questions of institutional procedure.
The defence, on the other hand, is expected to challenge the credibility and admissibility of the witness’s records, as well as the interpretation of the financial transactions described.
Trial Continues
With proceedings ongoing before Justice Achibonga, the court is expected to determine the admissibility of the witness’s documentary evidence before further examination continues.
