The Minority in Parliament has expressed deep concern over what it describes as the unfair arrest and harsh bail conditions imposed on Alhaji Abdul Hannan Wahab, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Pusiga Constituency in the 2024 elections.
According to a press statement issued on June 29, 2025, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) carried out a coordinated arrest on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in both Accra and Tamale, detaining Mr. Wahab and his wife in what the Minority described as an aggressive operation.
The couple is being investigated for alleged tax evasion, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. However, the Minority has stressed that these remain allegations and no charges have been proven against them.
What has further alarmed the Minority is the bail conditions imposed on Mr. Wahab and his wife following their arrest.
The former NAFCO boss was granted bail to the tune of GHS 50 million with two sureties, both of whom must justify their assets to match the full amount. His wife was also granted bail at GHS 30 million with two sureties, one of whom must also be justified.
The Minority finds these bail terms completely unacceptable and disproportionate.
“Bail is not supposed to be a punishment or a pre-conviction sentence. It is a legal instrument meant to ensure an accused person’s availability for trial, not to punish or intimidate,” the statement read.
Referencing Ghana’s legal framework, the Minority pointed to Section 96 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and the landmark case Kpebu No. 2 v Attorney-General, which both emphasize that bail conditions must be reasonable and consider the financial capacity of the accused.
The statement further questioned, “What is the justification for bail conditions that amount to financial punishment before trial? Where in our laws does it say someone must risk bankruptcy just to secure their freedom while under investigation?”
According to the Minority, Mr. Wahab does not pose any flight risk and has a well-known track record of public service.
“Mr. Wahab is not a flight risk. His track record of public service speaks for itself. He has served this nation with the utmost honour and diligence. He is a family man, not a criminal,” the Minority emphasized.
They described the entire process as not only harsh but also humiliating, adding that it sends a “worrying signal” that individuals who served in previous administrations could now become targets simply because power has changed hands.
The Minority’s strong reaction suggests they believe the case is more political than legal and have called for fairness in the handling of Mr. Wahab’s case.
