The Minority in Parliament has criticized the arrest and bail conditions imposed on Alhaji Abdul Hannan Wahab, the former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for Pusiga in the 2024 elections.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, the Minority described the arrest, conducted on June 25, 2025, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), as “questionable” and politically motivated.
Mr. Wahab and his wife were picked up simultaneously in Accra and Tamale as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. However, the Minority emphasized that no charges have been proven.
Of particular concern to the Minority are the stringent bail conditions imposed after the arrest. Mr. Wahab was granted bail at GHS 50 million with two sureties who must justify their worth. His wife was granted bail at GHS 30 million under similar conditions. The Caucus condemned these as excessive, arguing they amounted to pre-trial punishment.
“Bail is not supposed to be a punishment or pre-conviction sentence,” the statement read, referencing Section 96 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). The Minority contended that such conditions violate principles of justice and raise fears about political retribution.
According to the Caucus, Mr. Wahab is not a flight risk, citing his dedicated public service and status as a family man. They cited that the manner in which he and his wife were treated is not only harsh, it is humiliating, warning that it sends a troubling message about political targeting after changes in government.
The Minority alleged that EOCO’s actions form part of a broader pattern of political persecution under the current NDC administration, accusing state institutions of being used to intimidate political opponents.
The statement urged EOCO’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Raymond Archer, to act with integrity and resist political influence.
They also called on civil society, religious leaders, the media, and citizens to condemn what they described as an abuse of investigative powers.
