Defence Scrutinizes Major Bank Transfers in Adu-Boahene Trial
The defence in the trial of Kwabena Adu-Boahene and others has focused on questioning Madam Mildred Donkor, the third prosecution witness. This questioning revolved around significant bank transfers documented before the court. These transactions are crucial to the ongoing money laundering allegations.
During cross-examination on a Monday, Madam Donkor was presented with documents detailing transfers from Advantage Solutions Limited. A key transaction on July 9, 2018, involved a GHS 1.7 million transfer. Madam Donkor confirmed this amount was allegedly in favour of Mr. Adu-Boahene. Another transfer on December 3, 2018, for GHS 402,000 was also discussed. This sum was said to be to an account linked to Mr. Adu-Boahene. The witness verified these figures from the documents shown to her.
The defence counsel, Samuel Atta-Akyea, suggested that such bank transfers would logically appear in Mr. Adu-Boahene’s personal accounts. However, Madam Donkor stated her actions were based solely on instructions received from superiors. She clarified that the banks, not her, generated the official statements reflecting these transactions. The defence also pointed to Exhibit 7, showing these large credit entries. A separate transfer of GHS 1,650,000 to Fidelity Bank for the Director of BNC Communications Bureau Limited was also confirmed by the witness as appearing on the document.
These financial details form part of a broader investigation into alleged money laundering. The prosecution, represented by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, raised objections during the questioning. Dr. Srem-Sai accused the defence of harassing the witness. Mr. Atta-Akyea rejected this, asserting he was seeking the truth. The witness maintained that she was merely reading the information presented to her on the documents.
Further discussion touched upon the closure of the BNC Communications Bureau Limited account at Universal Merchant Bank. Madam Donkor could not recall the exact date of closure. She indicated that if such an account closure was initiated, it would have been under the instructions of Mr. Adu-Boahene and his wife. The defence attempted to submit an email related to this account closure. The prosecution objected, claiming it was irrelevant. The defence argued its importance, stating the account allegedly received GHS 49.1 million. This sum is central to the prosecution's money laundering case. The defence contended the document could prove the account was active beyond 2020, contradicting allegations of it being opened for illicit purposes.
Justice Eugene Nyante Nyadu, presiding over the case, stated the court would weigh the document's relevance to the charges. This includes the money laundering allegations against Advantage Solutions Limited. The hearing was adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the continuation of Madam Donkor's cross-examination. The court’s decision on admitting the email will be closely watched. This will impact how evidence regarding the alleged GHS 49.1 million is presented. The trial continues to unravel complex financial dealings.