Adu Boahene trial to continue as court rejects legal vacation suspension bid

The Accra High Court has dismissed an application by former Signals Bureau Director-General, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, seeking to adjourn his trial pending the Supreme Court’s determination of a review application concerning the continuation of selected criminal cases during the legal vacation. Counsel for Adu-Boahene, Samuel Atta Akyea, had asked the court to suspend proceedings until September 2, 2026, when a three-member panel of the Supreme Court is expected to hear a review application filed by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah. According to a report by myjoyonline.com on August 25, 2026, Atta Akyea argued that the outcome of the Supreme Court application could have a bearing on the ongoing trial and that it would therefore be appropriate for the High Court to await the decision. However, Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the request, noting that the prosecution had only one more day to close its case. He argued that the Supreme Court had already determined the substantive interlocutory application concerning the legal vacation and that the mere filing of a review application did not automatically suspend proceedings. Justice Francis Apanga Achibonga, after hearing arguments from both sides, said he had not identified any rule requiring the trial to be suspended under the circumstances. The judge noted that although the earlier Supreme Court decision had been delivered by a single judge, it remained binding until it was set aside or reversed by a subsequent decision. He consequently dismissed the defence’s application for an adjournment. Adu-Boahene is standing trial alongside his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, Mildred Donkor and Advantage Solutions Limited on 11 charges, including conspiracy, stealing, using public office for profit, money laundering and causing financial loss to the state. Here's why trial of Adu-Boahene, wife has been put on hold temporarily All the accused persons have pleaded not guilty and are currently on bail. The latest disagreement is the latest in a series of disputes between the defence and prosecution over the pace and conduct of the trial. In July 2025, the High Court rejected a defence application seeking further disclosure of National Security operational account records dating back to 1992. The defence argued that the documents could contain information relevant to the accused persons’ case. Following the ruling, Atta Akyea sought time to study the decision and consider further legal options, including an appeal or an application for a stay of proceedings. The prosecution opposed the request, insisting that the trial should proceed without unnecessary delays. Atta Akyea subsequently accused the prosecution of withholding documents and said: “I won’t accept any ambulance trial.” He has maintained that his approach is intended to protect due process and ensure that his client receives a fair trial, arguing that the justice system should not create an accelerated track for selected cases while other matters continue under the ordinary rules. MRA/VPO Noise Maker, Palm Wine Bar Talk, Prison in His Brain: Sammy Gyamfi tears into Afenyo-Markin Source: www.ghanaweb.com
« Previous | Next »