Adu-Boahene: Former National Signals Bureau Director arrested over $7million cybersecurity deal
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, has revealed that the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has been arrested in connection with an alleged financial scandal involving a $7 million cyber defense system contract.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, March, Ayine detailed the circumstances surrounding the case, citing financial misconduct and unauthorised transactions that diverted public funds meant for a critical national security project.
Unauthorized fund transfers and breach of public trust
The Attorney-General explained that the cyber defense contract was intended to strengthen Ghana’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats, data breaches, and digital espionage. However, the funds allocated for the project were allegedly mismanaged.
“In his capacity as Director of the National Signals Bureau, Mr Adu-Boahene on 30th January 2020, signed a contract on behalf of the Government of Ghana and the National Security on one hand, and on the other hand, an Israeli company named RLC Holdings Limited,” Mr Ayine disclosed.
The contract, worth $7 million, was meant for the acquisition of cyber defense system software. However, the Attorney-General alleged that just a week later, Mr Adu Boahene made suspicious financial moves that raised red flags.
“On 6th February 2020, he then transferred an initial amount of GH¢27,100,000 from the National Signals Bureau account at Fidelity Bank to a private BNC account at UMB. Official documentation on the transfer reveals that the amount was for the payment of cyber defense system software. He transferred the money to his private company.”
Next steps
Authorities believe the alleged diversion of funds has undermined Ghana’s cybersecurity infrastructure, delaying the implementation of crucial security measures to protect sensitive national data.
Legal proceedings are expected to commence soon, with Mr Ayine assuring that the government remains committed to holding individuals accountable for financial mismanagement.
