Nana Yaw Sarpong, a political aide to the founder of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has urged the Attorney General to launch an investigation into banks allegedly involved in processing transactions linked to a $7 million cybersecurity fraud case.

Speaking on TV3’s ‘Big Issues’ on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Sarpong emphasised the need for scrutiny of financial institutions that facilitated the transactions.

He raised concerns over possible breaches of banking regulations, questioning whether the banks were complicit or negligent in allowing such high-value transfers.

His remarks followed a press briefing by Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine on March 24, during which he announced the arrest of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), in connection with the case.

According to the Attorney General, Adu-Boahene is accused of mismanaging funds allocated for a national cyber defence project. The contract, signed on January 30, 2020, with Israeli firm RLC Holdings Limited, was intended to enhance Ghana’s ability to detect and prevent cyber threats.

Dr. Ayine alleged that just days after signing the contract, Adu-Boahene transferred GH¢27.1 million from the NSB’s account at Fidelity Bank to a private account at Universal Merchant Bank (UMB). The funds, meant for the cyber defence system, were reportedly funnelled into a private company linked to the accused.

Sarpong called for a deeper probe into these transactions, stressing that such large withdrawals should have raised red flags.

"If you examine the records, he was able to make in-person withdrawals amounting to millions. That should be investigated," he stated.

Sarpong dismissed criticism against the Attorney General for publicly discussing the case. He argued that transparency is essential, citing Article 1 of Ghana’s Constitution, which vests sovereignty in the people.

"The Attorney General owes us an explanation. We pay him, and he must provide updates on his work. This is taxpayers’ money. We are talking about the welfare of Ghanaians, and if something has gone wrong, why should we not demand answers?" Sarpong questioned.

He also defended the Attorney General’s role in ensuring thorough investigations, countering claims that his office was overstepping its mandate.

"The foundation of every prosecution is a solid investigation. If a private lawyer takes on a case, they do not simply rely on their client’s claims—they investigate. The Attorney General must ensure that all evidence is properly gathered before proceeding to court," he added.

Sarpong acknowledged that Adu-Boahene had the right to legal representation, referencing a statement from the Deputy Attorney General, confirming that the accused had been granted access to his legal team while in custody.

During the discussion, Edem Senanu, Co-Chair of the Citizen Movement Against Corruption, also weighed in, urging the Attorney General to maintain regular public engagement on corruption cases.

He argued that consistent communication is crucial in fighting impunity and restoring public trust in anti-graft institutions.

"Public communication is critical. The lack of updates from institutions like the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) creates the perception that little is being done to combat corruption," Senanu stated.

Referencing international best practices, he pointed to the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI, which regularly update the public on high-profile cases.

"This is nothing extraordinary. If it becomes part of our culture, it will serve as a deterrent. Everyone, whether a high-level public officer or not, must know that investigations are continuous and the law will take its course," he said.

Senanu stressed that the Attorney General’s press briefing should not be seen as a reactionary move but rather as a step towards accountability. He noted that Ghana’s declining position on the Corruption Perception Index is partly due to weak responses and a lack of transparency.

"We find ourselves slipping in global corruption rankings because there is little information demonstrating that corruption has consequences," he explained.

He added, "For something like this to happen, other persons must be involved. There have to be networks. It is shocking that the same names keep coming up in high-profile corruption cases," he noted.

Senanu also urged intelligence and anti-graft agencies to strike a balance between keeping the public informed and protecting the integrity of ongoing investigations.

"Our intelligence agencies need to find the right time to release information while taking necessary actions to prevent further financial loss. Striking this balance will strengthen public confidence and discourage corruption," he stated.