Atta Akyea sacked
Mildred Donkor, the third accused in the ongoing GH₵49.1 million National Signals Bureau scandal has dismissed her lawyer in open court, just before the prosecution’s first witness was called.
The unexpected decision came as proceedings were set to begin on Friday, July 18. Donkor, who is said to be closely associated with former National Signals Bureau boss, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, stood up in court and announced: “I wish to take a separate lawyer, please.”
Her lawyer at the time, Samuel Atta Akyea, acknowledged the request without objection.
“I’m no longer representing her. She has expressed her wish that she wants to change me. The records should reflect that,” he said.
Dispute Over Pending Motions
Before the dismissal, Ata Akyea had urged the court to address several outstanding legal motions, including a notice of appeal over withheld disclosures and a request to stay proceedings. He warned that moving ahead without resolving these issues could jeopardize the fairness of the trial.
“My Lord, the freedoms and liberties of fellow Ghanaians are at stake,” Akyea argued. “The justice of the case is not at the pleasure of the Attorney General.”
In response, Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai opposed the delay, insisting that the Constitution does not allow appeals or stay applications to automatically halt a trial.
“The Constitution commands a speedy trial,” he said, urging the judge to proceed with hearing witnesses.
Judge Upholds Right to Legal Representation
Presiding judge Justice John Nyadu Nyante upheld Donkor’s constitutional right to choose her legal representation, citing Article 19(2)(f) of the 1992 Constitution.
“The third accused, having withdrawn the services of her counsel, is deemed to be representing herself at the moment until she engages a new lawyer,” the judge stated.
“When it is her turn for cross-examination and the court is of the opinion that she requires counsel, proceedings will be adjourned to allow her to obtain representation.”
Prosecution’s First Witness Testifies
Despite the disruption, the trial proceeded with testimony from the prosecution’s first witness, Frank Anane Dekpey. Dekpey, a driver, alleged that he was regularly sent by Donkor to withdraw large sums of money using sealed cheques.
He claimed that over a five-year period, he delivered cash—often packed in “Ghana Must Go” bags—to Adu-Boahene from banks including UMB (Labone Junction) and Stanbic Bank (Airport Branch). He added that the money was usually paid into accounts belonging to “Perfect Solutions.”
During cross-examination, Dekpey admitted he had no knowledge of national security issues and described himself simply as an errand runner. He also disclosed that he was detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for seven days before being granted bail, which was set at GH₵60 million with sureties.
The court adjourned the case to July 25 at 9:00 a.m., allowing Donkor time to appoint a new lawyer.