Ghanaian authorities have arrested former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, for allegedly embezzling millions of dollars from a cybersecurity contract.
The arrest came over the weekend, marking a major step in President John Mahama’s renewed anti-corruption campaign.
The $7 million deal, signed in January 2020, aimed to improve Ghana’s cyber-defence capabilities.
It was part of the country’s strategic efforts to tackle digital espionage, hacking, and data breaches.
However, investigators allege that Adu-Boahene diverted funds meant for software acquisition into private accounts, including those owned by his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng.
Private Transfers Exposed by Official Records
Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, confirmed the arrest on Monday.
He said Adu-Boahene transferred over 27 million Ghanaian cedis (approximately $1.7 million) shortly after the contract was signed.
The money, intended for cybersecurity software payments, was moved from the NSB’s accounts to a private company owned by Adu-Boahene.
“Documentation shows the funds were for the cybersecurity system,” Ayine said.
“But instead of going to the official vendor, he redirected it to his personal business.”
Authorities also uncovered that the couple used additional diverted funds to acquire multiple properties in Ghana and overseas.
Ongoing Investigations Target Former Finance Minister and Others
In addition to Adu-Boahene’s arrest, the government is also probing former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
He is under investigation for alleged irregularities in the issuance of government bonds and mismanagement of public debt during the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Moreover, authorities are investigating a massive payroll fraud at Ghana’s National Service Secretariat.
Reports suggest that over 81,000 “ghost names” were added to the payroll, allowing officials to siphon off millions of cedis from state funds.
Ayine Declares End to Corruption Impunity
Attorney-General Ayine issued a strong warning during his press briefing.
“The era of impunity is over,” he said.
“We will ensure that those who looted public funds are held accountable under the law.”
He emphasized that the government would fast-track legal proceedings against all suspects.
Both Adu-Boahene and his wife remain in state custody as the investigation expands to uncover possible accomplices.
Prosecutions are expected to begin within the next few months.
A Broader Strategy for Governance Reform
These high-profile arrests signal a broader push by the Mahama administration to restore public trust and attract foreign investment.
Ghana is currently negotiating a financial support programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Anti-corruption efforts and governance reforms are key conditions for IMF approval.
The government believes that taking bold action against financial crimes will not only improve local accountability but also rebuild international confidence in Ghana’s economic management.
Conclusion: A New Era of Accountability Begins
The arrest of Kwabena Adu-Boahene sends a clear message—the misuse of public funds will no longer go unpunished.
As Ghana intensifies efforts to recover stolen assets and hold officials accountable, the fight against corruption appears to be entering a new phase.
If President Mahama’s government maintains this momentum, the country may finally see real reform in its governance systems.
For now, all eyes are on the courts, where Ghanaians expect justice to be swift, transparent, and fair.
