EXPLAINER: What is the National Signals Bureau and why is Adu-Boahene involved in controversy?

The National Signals Bureau (NSB) has become a focal point of discussion in mainstream media and public circles following the arrest of its former Director-General, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, on charges of alleged embezzlement of state funds.

Following the arrest and subsequent disclosure by the Attorney General, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, regarding the alleged properties acquired by the suspect and his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng, many Ghanaians have expressed curiosity about the existence of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), its functions, and the specific responsibilities of its Director-General.

This piece throws light on the NSB, and the role of its Director-General.

What is NSB

The National Signals Bureau (NSB) is an agency under the National Security Council of Ghana. It is responsible for providing integrated signal systems to support national security and intelligence agencies, with the primary goal of ensuring the security of the state and safeguarding its unity and stability.

Additionally, the NSB provides communication among all government security agencies, maintains key communication installations and emergency call centres, and secures Ghana’s cyberspace against attacks and other e-crime activities.

What are the functions of NSB

As an agency whose supervisory body is the National Security Council, the NSB performs some key functions.

This includes monitoring, collecting, analyzing, retaining, and securely disseminating information and intelligence from cyberspace, electronic media, electromagnetic signals, and other emissions, as well as any equipment producing such signals.

The aim is to counter threats to national security, prevent the commission of serious offences, and deter such crimes.

Additionally, the NSB establishes and maintains a nationwide information and communication system that deploys the appropriate combination of connectivity, networking, encryption, and any other security measure to facilitate secure intelligence sharing among security and intelligence stakeholders.

Furthermore, the NSB works to build capacity for monitoring and analysing technological advancements at both the national and international levels within the information, communications, and related industries. This enables the agency to identify potential impacts on national security and the well-being of the state.

Lastly, the bureau collaborates with relevant public institutions to assess technological enhancement needs aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of defence, security, signals, and law enforcement operations. It also carries out any other functions as assigned by the National Security Council or the Minister of the Interior.

NSB’s Director-General

As the head of the agency, the Director-General is appointed by the president in accordance with Article 195 of the constitution.

As part of the D-G’s functions, he is responsible for the efficient and effective performance of the functions of the bureau.

Aside that, the D-G controls, administers the bureau, and ensures impartiality in the performance of the bureau’s functions.

Furthermore, the D-G through the minister, briefs the president, the council, and any other relevant stakeholder on intelligence gathered from cyberspace, electronic media, electromagnetic signals, and other emissions relevant to the national security interest of Ghana.

Moreover, the D-G through the minister, advises the council on national security strategies, to mitigate the adverse impact of information and communication technology practices on national security and national well-being.

Who is the current Director General

The NSB is currently headed by the Acting Director-General Dr George Atta-Boateng following his appointment by President John Dramani Mahama in February 2025.

His extensive knowledge and experience cover various aspects of the ICT sector, including market structure, universal service and access, cybersecurity, telecommunications infrastructure, and the application of ICT in health, business, government, and education.