Accra: Mr. Victor Adawudu, a private legal practitioner, pointed out that Mr. Kwabena Adu-Boahene, former Director General of the National Signals Bureau, potentially breached the oath of secrecy by revealing unauthorized information to the public regarding his role.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Adawudu highlighted during a current affairs program that public office holders swear an oath of secrecy prohibiting the direct or indirect communication of confidential matters unless permitted by law. He emphasized that there are legal consequences for divulging such information without authorization.
The caution follows Mr. Adu-Boahene’s recent publication concerning alleged embezzlement of funds. In a letter dated May 6, 2025, to the National Security Coordinator, Mr. Adu-Boahene refuted the Attorney General’s claims of embezzlement, asserting that the funds were allocated for national security operations.
However, Mr. Adawudu raised concerns about the legality of these disbursements, stating they lacked official sanctioning. He noted that financial disbursements are typically governed by established protocols within the National Signals Bureau and the broader national security apparatus.
Mr. Adawudu explained that financial disbursements are subject to oversight by bodies such as the National Security Council, the relevant minister, and the finance and administration departments within the National Signals Bureau. Budgets for security intelligence operations also require parliamentary approval and auditing by the Auditor General.
Addressing Mr. Adu-Boahene’s claims about disbursements to political opponents and parliamentarians, Mr. Adawudu suggested that national security agencies collaborate with opposition parties primarily for intelligence gathering rather than direct financial support. Regarding payments to parliamentarians, he explained such instances often facilitate the approval of essential legislative instruments under budgetary constraints.
Mr. Adawudu advised that Mr. Adu-Boahene should reserve his explanations for the appropriate legal forum.