The defence team in the ongoing trial of Mr Kwabena Adu‑Boahene and others has intensified its bid to undermine the credibility of the prosecution’s third witness, Madam Mildred Donkor, during proceedings at the High Court in Accra.
Leading the cross-examination on Tuesday, counsel for the accused persons, Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, subjected the witness to rigorous questioning focused on her prior statements to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the nature of her legal representation during investigations, and financial operations linked to Advantage Solutions Limited.
Madam Donkor confirmed to the court that she had given six separate statements to EOCO, all of which were made voluntarily during the investigative phase. However, she revealed that prior to her interrogations, she held discussions with lawyers introduced to her by the second accused person, Angela Adjei Boateng, who is also the wife of Mr Adu‑Boahene.
According to the witness, she initially believed that lawyers who appeared alongside the accused persons at EOCO—including Mr Atta Akyea—were representing her interests as well. This assertion was, however, firmly rejected by Mr Atta Akyea, who denied ever acting as her legal counsel and challenged her claim before the court.
The defence further pressed the witness on claims that she had been advised before interrogations on how to respond to investigators, including suggestions to default to answers such as “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember.” Madam Donkor acknowledged concerns about the circumstances surrounding her representation, stating that she later grew uncomfortable as she felt her personal interests were not being adequately safeguarded.
She told the court that her dissatisfaction eventually led her to seek independent legal counsel, a decision she made after expressing concerns openly during earlier court proceedings.
Beyond issues of representation, Madam Donkor also described the conditions under which she was interrogated by EOCO. She recounted spending prolonged periods at the investigative body while nursing her baby, an experience she characterised as distressing and emotionally taxing. She added that the ordeal had a lasting impact on her wellbeing, prompting her to seek counselling support from Rev. Wengam of Cedar Mountain Assemblies of God Church.
On matters relating to Advantage Solutions Limited, the witness confirmed that the company was already operational before she joined its board as a director. She further testified that the company undertook regular salary payments and pension contributions for its employees, noting that she played a role in processing both payroll and pension-related transactions.
In an apparent effort to reinforce the legitimacy of the company’s operations, the defence sought to tender email correspondence relating to pension payments as evidence. The move was, however, met with an objection from the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, who argued that the documents were not relevant to the matters under consideration.
The court upheld the objection, ruling the documents inadmissible and excluding them from the record.
Proceedings have been adjourned to May 13, 2026, when cross-examination is expected to continue.
By: Emmanuel Botsoe / businesspostonline
