“You should be advising your client on how to spend less than 25 years in jail” – Edudzi ‘schools’ Atta Akyea

Edudzi Tamekloe is the acting CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). He also leads the NDC legal team. Recently, he advised Samuel Atta Akyea to help his client, Kwabena Adu-Boahene. Adu-Boahene is the Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB). Tamekloe suggested that Akyea should focus on reducing his client's jail time.

Tamekloe found Akyea's statement amusing. He noted that the offences occurred in January and March 2020. The Security and Intelligence Act was signed into law in October 2020. Tamekloe pointed out that this Act did not exist when Adu-Boahene entered a contract with an Israeli company.

He emphasized that lawyers have an ethical duty to advise clients properly. Criminal defense requires special skills, he said. The prosecution claims Adu-Boahene misused public funds for personal gain. They allege he diverted money into a private company he created.

Tamekloe stated that dishonesty underlies these charges. He questioned how one could defend themselves without understanding the accusations. Alleged payments to MPs after the fact do not negate any dishonesty involved.

Akyea warned that prosecuting Adu-Boahene could threaten national security. He claimed it violates Ghana’s laws, including Acts 1030 and 1040. His letter to the National Security Council highlighted these concerns.

Adu-Boahene has been charged with stealing and money laundering among other crimes. The state alleges he and his wife stole GHc 49 million in state funds. The Attorney General filed 11 charges against them at the High Court in Accra.

Adu-Boahene has been remanded into custody for seven working days by an Accra High Court. This allows time for the Attorney General to prepare witness statements related to the case.