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IDEG Boss Calls for Investigation Into Funds Disbursed by Former NSB Head

IDEG

IDEG Demands Funds Investigation

Dr. Emmanuel Akwettey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), has called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into explosive allegations involving the disbursement of GH₵49 million by Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former head of the National Signals Bureau (NSB). According to Mr. Akwettey, the gravity of the situation demands immediate attention from both legal and oversight institutions in the country.

In recent revelations, Adu-Boahene, who is currently facing trial for allegedly misappropriating public funds, claimed that large portions of the GH₵49 million in question were used to support what he described as “covert national security operations.” These claims have sparked nationwide concern, especially after it emerged that GH₵8.3 million was allegedly allocated to an opposition political party for acquiring communication equipment, while an additional GH₵5.1 million reportedly went to individuals closely linked to the presidency, including aides.

“This is not the kind of thing we can just brush aside,” Dr. Akwettey remarked during an interview with the media. “When such significant amounts of public money—GH₵8.3 million and GH₵5.1 million—are allegedly distributed to political actors and presidential aides, it becomes a matter of national interest and accountability. It is imperative that the Attorney General, along with the appropriate security agencies, follows the money trail and investigates every cedi mentioned in these allegations.”

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Dr. Akwettey emphasized that maintaining the public’s trust in democratic institutions and national security structures is more crucial now than ever. He warned that the state cannot afford to allow these allegations to go unanswered, as doing so would send the wrong message to citizens and the international community about Ghana’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

“If these accusations remain unresolved and unexamined, it could severely damage public confidence in the systems we rely on to protect and govern us,” he cautioned. “Allowing such claims to linger in the air without any official inquiry creates room for suspicion, misinformation, and further polarization. A full, impartial investigation is the only way to assure the public that our systems work and that no individual, no matter their status, is above scrutiny.”

Mr. Akwettey also underscored the role of Parliament in ensuring a robust response to the allegations. In particular, he called upon the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament to step up and provide the necessary oversight. He stressed the importance of ensuring that any investigation or parliamentary review be conducted with professionalism and free from political interference.

“We cannot afford to politicize such a serious matter,” he said firmly. “This is not about political point-scoring. This is about the integrity of our national institutions and the responsible use of public funds. Ghanaians deserve to know the truth, and they deserve clarity. Only through rigorous, non-partisan investigations can we achieve the transparency needed to restore confidence and move forward as a country.”

These calls for accountability follow revelations from a memo reportedly submitted by Mr. Adu-Boahene to the National Security Coordinator. In this document, the former NSB boss claims that the controversial GH₵49 million was not misappropriated, as alleged by prosecutors, but rather spent as part of covert national security efforts. These operations, he claims, required discreet and sensitive funding, including financial support for communications infrastructure purportedly linked to an opposition party.

In addition to this, nearly GH₵1 million was allegedly given to members of Parliament as a form of incentive for passing critical security-related legislation. These payments, according to Adu-Boahene, were not personal gifts but strategic expenditures meant to facilitate the passage of laws essential to the nation’s security framework.

Despite these claims, the Attorney General’s office has proceeded with criminal charges against the former spy chief, accusing him of misusing public funds. In response, Adu-Boahene has alleged that the prosecution is politically motivated and driven by personal vendettas rather than a fair pursuit of justice.

The allegations have raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, with civil society organizations, legal experts, and ordinary citizens weighing in on the matter. Some argue that the claims should be thoroughly verified before judgment is passed, while others demand swift action to demonstrate that Ghana takes corruption and mismanagement of public funds seriously.

Dr. Akwettey, who has long advocated for democratic governance, transparency, and institutional reform, reiterated that this is a pivotal moment for Ghana’s political and legal systems. He urged all involved parties to approach the issue with integrity and a sense of national duty.

“This is a test of our institutions,” he said. “How we handle this case will show whether our democracy is maturing or merely going through the motions. We must allow the law to take its course, but that process must be seen to be independent, transparent, and fair. That is the only way to reinforce trust in our institutions.”

As the case unfolds, many Ghanaians are watching closely, hoping that truth and justice will ultimately prevail. Whether these explosive claims are validated or debunked, the demand for accountability is clear. And for Dr. Akwettey and others in civil society, the message remains simple: public funds must be used for the public good, and any deviation from that principle must be investigated without fear or favor.