Kwabena Adu-Boahene confirms Ghana purchase of another spyware from Israel

Kwabena Adu-Boahene Confirms Spyware Purchase

Kwabena Adu-Boahene, former Director General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), has confirmed a spyware purchase from Israel. He is currently in detention with his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng, and two others. They face charges related to theft and fraud. The charges were filed at a High Court on April 30, 2025.

Adu-Boahene disclosed this information in a memo to his lawyer, Atta Akyea. The memo was made public on social media. The other individuals involved are Mildred Donkor and Advantage Solutions Limited.

In March, Adu-Boahene and his wife were arrested for allegedly diverting state funds. In his memo, he warned the Attorney-General about damaging the reputation of the National Security agency. He listed expenses under ‘Special Operations Expenditure Summary,’ which included a transaction with ISC Holdings.

The first item in the memo described 'Special Operations' costing GH¢9,537,000 paid in 2020. This amount was part payment for Special Cyber & Electronic Surveillance Solutions received by ISC Holdings. The Attorney-General referred to these solutions as “cyber defence systems.” However, Adu-Boahene clarified that they are actually surveillance equipment or spyware.

This is not Ghana's first spyware purchase from an Israeli company leading to legal issues. Five years ago, three former officials faced charges for stealing and misusing public office regarding the Pegasus hardware purchase worth $4 million. They claimed it was intended for fighting terrorism but were jailed after buying Pegasus spyware from NSO Group.

After six years of pressure, the Israeli government has agreed to investigate corruption related to the sale of Pegasus spyware to Ghana.