Adu Boahene has not requested plea bargaining, says Atta Akyea

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Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for Kwabena Adu-Boahen, former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), has firmly denied claims that his client is pursuing a plea bargain with the Attorney-General’s Department.

Speaking in an interview on Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV, Atta Akyea clarified that neither he nor his client has initiated any plea negotiations, describing the reports as baseless.

“No, I don’t know whose invention that is,” he remarked. “The one prosecuting you has not yet disclosed the so-called incriminating evidence, which will only be revealed through the witness statements. Only then can you assess whether there’s a need to even consider plea bargaining.”

He noted that the prosecution was due to file witness statements on June 2 but failed to do so, leaving the defence without sufficient information to make any legal determinations.

“So, whoever is pushing the idea of a plea bargain, I don’t know. It’s not coming from my client,” Atta Akyea emphasized.

The comments come amid growing public speculation surrounding the case, which has drawn considerable attention due to Adu-Boahen’s former role in national security.

Lead counsel for former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahen, has reiterated that his client is not seeking a plea bargain, dismissing media reports suggesting otherwise as “misleading and unfounded.”

Samuel Atta Akyea made the comments during an interview on Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV, where he clarified that neither he nor his client has initiated any negotiations with the Attorney-General’s Department.

“No, I don’t know whose invention that is,” Atta Akyea said. “The prosecutor hasn’t even disclosed the full evidence. It is only when witness statements are filed and reviewed that you can determine your legal posture.”

His remarks followed the filing of witness statements by the State on June 3 in the ongoing criminal trial involving Adu-Boahen, his wife Angela Adjei-Boateng, their associate Mildred Boateng, and their company, Adantage Solutions Limited.

The four are facing multiple charges, including stealing, conspiracy, and causing financial loss to the state.

The witness statements, submitted by the prosecution, feature testimonies from key figures including:

Frank Marshall Cromwell, the lead investigator,

Edith Ruby Opokua Adumua, Director of Finance at the NSB,

and Frank Anane Dekpey, described as an errand assistant to the accused.

Adu-Boahen was initially remanded on May 2 over allegations of witness tampering. His lawyer later revealed that he was rearrested on a separate matter after the expiration of the remand order.

Atta Akyea emphasized that his clients are prepared to defend themselves robustly in court and are not interested in shortcuts. He also clarified that no plea bargain has been considered by the court at this stage, as the legal process requires full disclosure from the prosecution before such options are discussed.

“Our position is clear—we will contest the charges. The court has not ruled on any plea bargain and only stated it could be entertained if the need arises after disclosure,” he stated.

On May 26, the Accra High Court directed the defence team to refrain from entering plea negotiations until the prosecution has completed its disclosure obligations. Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai requested more time due to the unavailability of a key investigator.

The case has been adjourned to June 11.