Tensions are rising in the high-profile trial of former National Security Bureau (NSB) leader Kwabena Adu-Boahene, as his legal team suggests a daring defence strategy with national consequences.
Lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, has cautioned that his client is willing to provide vital national security information if it is required to mount a thorough defence against the accusations levelled against him.
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse on May 13, Atta Akyea alleged that “they are pushing him in areas of national security.” When push comes to shove, he must protect himself.”
And someone will turn around. And why is the National Security Intelligence Officer attempting to publicise national security issues after swearing an oath? So you take an oath, and national security does not come to your help, so you go to jail? That will be unfortunate. It will be an unpredictably tragic event. That was the letter’s intended message.
He stated that the memo that slipped into the public domain last week was intended solely for national security.
According to him, if the situation warrants it, his client may be obliged to reveal critical security information, which is a risky territory for the Attorney General.
“The letter was not intended to be made public.” He wrote to the Coordinator, the successor to national security, to investigate the issues that, unfortunately, the Attorney General and EOCO are pushing. Are they bringing national security issues into the public domain? And if he reacts to those issues, will they not turn around? He has violated his court of secrecy, and the rest of them, you can’t slap a man twice.”
He further stated that the way Mr Adu-Boahene is being treated is likely to undermine the trust of national security personnel.
“This is a very dangerous route we are taking. Nobody will be prepared to serve national security. If he is serving national security. When there is a regime transition, they will summon you to court to explain how national security funds were spent. Who is going to work for national security? So their immunity is of no concern,” he told reporters.
Kwabena Adu-Boahene was detained again for a fresh accusation shortly after being granted bail in the GHS49 million cybersecurity procurement controversy.
The lawyer expressed concern about the development and demanded that proceedings be conducted in a way that does not appear to be a personal vengeance, saying that the accused individual should be given the right to defend himself.
The Court has already asked the prosecution team to submit all witness testimony by May 20, 2025.
