Adu-Boahene Trial: Court Denies Adjournment Request from Third Accused’s New Lawyer

The High Court in Accra has rejected an adjournment request made by the newly appointed lawyer of Mildred Donkor, the third accused in the National Signals Bureau (NSB) case, which involves an alleged misappropriation of GH¢49 million in state funds.

Justice John Nyante Nyadu, who presided over the hearing, stated that the accused had been given sufficient time to find legal representation and should have adequately informed her new lawyer before the hearing date.

As a result, the court directed that the scheduled motion be moved as planned.

“I might have considered the request if the accused were illiterate,” the judge noted. “But given her level of education and the fact that she knew the case had been postponed to allow her to hire counsel, it was reasonable to expect her to brief her lawyer on the pending issues.”

Mr. Nutifafa Nutsukpui, appearing for the first time on behalf of Donkor, requested a short adjournment to review the case documents, explaining that Donkor had only formally engaged him the previous evening and had delivered incomplete paperwork late in the day.

“She left our office around 6 p.m. yesterday [Monday], bringing in some documents, but they didn’t include the application,” he told the court. “We didn’t have time to request certified copies and properly assess the material.”

Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai opposed the request, arguing that appointing legal counsel is a deliberate process and should not serve as a means to stall the trial.

He further emphasized that the motion in question did not directly involve Donkor but rather concerned a disclosure request made by the lawyers of the other accused individuals.

“Disclosure is a continuing process,” Dr. Srem-Sai argued. “Once counsel is formally involved, he can request any necessary disclosures relevant to his client.”

The case involves former NSB Director Kwabena Adu-Boahene, his wife Angela Adjei-Boateng, Mildred Donkor, and a fourth accused person. They are facing charges related to the alleged embezzlement of GH¢49 million in public funds, which were reportedly used to acquire various assets.

The court has adjourned proceedings to 31 July 2025.