The trial of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, former National Signals Bureau boss, his wife Angela Adjei-Boateng, and two others, including Mildred Donkor, took an unexpected turn when Donkor dismissed her lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, in open court. This move came moments before the prosecution’s first witness was set to testify.
Mr. Donkor, an associate of Adu-Boahene, simply stated, “I wish to take a separate lawyer, please.” Akyea responded without objection, confirming he was no longer representing her. The dismissal occurred shortly after Akyea urged the court to address pending motions, including a notice of appeal regarding exculpatory disclosures and a motion to stay proceedings.
Justice John Nyadu Nyante affirmed Donkor’s constitutional right to choose her legal representation, ruling that she would represent herself until she engages a new lawyer. The judge noted that if Donkor requires counsel during cross-examination, proceedings would be adjourned to allow her to obtain representation.
Despite the disruption, the trial proceeded with testimony from Mr. Frank Anane Dekpey, a driver who alleged that Donkor routinely dispatched him to withdraw large sums of money using sealed cheques. Dekpey testified that over a five-year period, he delivered cash to Adu-Boahen from banks like UMB and Stanbic Bank, with funds typically deposited into accounts held by “Perfect Solutions”.
The court adjourned proceedings to July 25, 9:00 a.m., giving Donkor time to secure new legal representation. Adu-Boahene and his co-defendants face 11 charges, including stealing, money laundering, and defrauding by false pretences, related to the alleged misappropriation of GH¢49.1 million designated for a cybersecurity defense software project.
