Atta Akyea Accuses Attorney General of Prejudging Adu-Boahene Case Before Trial
Lawyer for former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene, Samuel Atta Akyea, has accused the Attorney General of publicly creating the impression that his clients were guilty even before they were formally arraigned before the court.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, June 3, Atta Akyea said comments made by the Attorney General at the early stages of the case amounted to a premature conclusion on the alleged guilt of the accused persons.
He argued that a widely publicised press briefing by the Attorney General suggested that the prosecution possessed overwhelming evidence, and that the accused should consider engaging in plea negotiations prior to trial.
According to him, such remarks risked influencing public perception and undermining the principle of fair hearing.
Atta Akyea further alleged that the posture adopted by the Attorney General during the briefing effectively placed him in the dual role of both prosecutor and judge in the court of public opinion before the matter reached trial.
He maintained that the narrative presented outside the courtroom was inconsistent with developments in court, insisting that the proceedings have told a different story from what was initially communicated to the public.
The former Abuakwa South MP added that extensive media coverage of the allegations had created bias against his clients, even before the prosecution had the opportunity to substantiate its case through evidence.
He stressed that the burden now rests on the prosecution to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt, as required by law.
Atta Akyea’s comments come as Kwabena Adu-Boahene continues to stand trial over allegations involving the alleged misappropriation of GH¢49.1 million in state funds linked to a cyber-defence procurement contract.
The case recently saw a development at the Court of Appeal, which overturned a High Court ruling that had initially denied the defence access to certain requested documents.
While the appellate court ordered the prosecution to release specific materials, it declined a request for the disclosure of National Security account records spanning multiple administrations. The court also dismissed an application seeking to halt proceedings, allowing the trial to continue at the High Court.
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