Lawyer Atta Kyea, the Counsel for embattled former National Signals Bureau Director-General, Kwabena Adu-Boahene has raised strong concerns over what he described as procedural irregularities and a lack of transparency in the ongoing financial crime trial involving his client.
Speaking to reporters after a recent court sitting, the lawyer questioned the failure of the trial judge to deliver a promised comprehensive ruling on July 21, which had initially been scheduled to clarify key legal issues before the full trial could proceed.
“We were told that a reasoned decision would be given on the 21st. Today, the judge came in and said the comprehensive ruling will now be ready by Monday,” he said. “And yet, we are being asked to prepare for trial within a week, when it’s clear from the record that crucial documents have been removed from the witness disclosures. Some of the bank statements, for instance, have been cleverly excluded—details that are essential to the defence.”
The lawyer further alleged that the prosecution, including the Office of the Attorney-General and investigators, had failed to make full disclosure of materials relevant to the accused person’s defence.
“How can we go into a full trial when they are withholding documents that could help my client?” he asked. “We are not being given adequate time to prepare, and they have not handed over the complete set of documents. This is not how justice is done.”
He also questioned the selective presentation of evidence by the state, citing inconsistencies in the handling of operational account records allegedly tied to the National Security apparatus.
“They have ring-fenced specific accounts like the National Security Coordinated Operations Account—how did they get those documents? And why are they refusing to bring the rest? What is the basis for withholding part of the operational account details while conveniently presenting only portions?”
The lawyer warned that the ongoing approach, in his view, amounted to “an aberration of justice,” and hinted at possible legal action to compel the release of the full ruling and relevant documents.
“I’ve been in practice for over 32 years and I’ve never seen this,” he added.
“You say you’ll deliver a decision on the 21st, then you come and change it. What kind of system is this? It seems someone is in a hurry to secure a conviction without giving the defence a fair opportunity.”
Atta Kyea concluded by insisting that the trial could not proceed fairly under such circumstances and vowed to challenge what he described as an unfair process.
