'I have no experience in National Security financing' - EOCO investigator tells Court

The prosecution's fourth and final witness (PW4), Frank Marshal Cromwell, the lead investigator from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), admitted under cross-examination on Thursday, July 2, 2026, that he has neither formal training nor professional experience in national security financing operations.

Cromwell, who serves as the lead investigator in the case and is a key witness for the prosecution, made the admission while being cross-examined by lead counsel for the accused persons, Samuel Atta Akyea, Esq at the Special Court 1 of the Accra High Court.

Counsel commenced his cross-examination by probing the witness's qualifications, competence, and expertise in matters relating to the financing of national security operations, an area that has featured prominently in the prosecution's case.

In response to a series of questions, Cromwell told the court that he has no training in national security financing operations and has never worked in that specialised field.

He further disclosed that the ongoing trial marks the first occasion in his career that he has investigated a national security operative.

The defence subsequently questioned the witness on concepts commonly associated with the financing and administration of national security operations.

When asked to explain the term 'black budget' as it relates to national security financing, Cromwell informed the court that he had not heard the term before and was therefore unable to explain its meaning.

The witness also acknowledged that he could not define the term "cover company" as used in the context of national security funding and intelligence operations.

The case has been adjourned to Monday, July 6, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. for the continuation of the cross-examination of Cromwell (PW4).

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