The Accra High Court has deferred any plea bargain negotiations in the trial of former Director of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu Boahene, pending the submission of full disclosures by the prosecution.
Justice John Nyadu Nyante, who is presiding over the case, issued the directive during a hearing on Monday, following a request by the prosecution for more time to complete the filing of evidentiary documents.
Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, told the court that the delay was due to the illness of a key investigator central to the preparation of the disclosures.
He, however, assured the judge that the officer would be available and fit to assist the legal process by Friday, May 30, 2025.
Justice Nyante subsequently ordered that all outstanding disclosures be filed and served on the defense team by Monday, June 2. He emphasized that only upon completion of this process would the court entertain any further discussions relating to a possible plea agreement.
Although the judge did not openly explain the legal rationale behind the decision, the directive came after a private meeting in chambers between himself, Dr. Srem-Sai, and lead defense counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea. The closed-door conversation was initiated at the request of the Deputy Attorney General.
The case, which has attracted public interest due to its high-profile nature, has been adjourned to Wednesday, June 11, 2025, for a case management conference.
During that session, the court is expected to set timelines for pre-trial motions and determine the way forward, including whether the case will proceed to full trial or be resolved through a negotiated settlement.
Kwabena Adu Boahene is facing criminal charges in connection with the alleged misuse of public funds and abuse of office during his tenure as head of the National Signals Bureau.
