The Minority in Parliament has called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to immediately review what it describes as excessive and punitive bail conditions imposed on Alhaji Abdul Hannan Wahab, former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), and his wife.
In a statement signed by Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, the caucus expressed deep concern over the arrest and bail terms of Mr. Wahab—who is also the New Patriotic Party’s 2024 parliamentary candidate for Pusiga.
“We demand an immediate review of the bail conditions. They must be reasonable, fair, and consistent with the law—not an indirect punishment,” the statement read. “Mr. Wahab must be released on terms that uphold his dignity and the principles of justice.”
On June 25, 2025, EOCO conducted simultaneous arrests in Accra and Tamale, detaining Mr. Wahab and his wife as though they were fugitives. The couple is under investigation for alleged tax evasion, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state—allegations the Minority stresses remain unproven.
The bail terms, however, have drawn widespread criticism. Mr. Wahab was granted bail at GHS 50 million with two sureties, both to be justified. His wife received bail set at GH¢30 million with two sureties, one of whom must be justified.
The Minority contends that such bail conditions are unjustifiably harsh and contrary to the spirit of Ghana’s legal system.
“Bail is not a punishment. It is a legal safeguard to ensure court appearance—not a tool for humiliation,” the statement said, referencing Section 96 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and the Kpebu No. 2 v. Attorney-General ruling, which require bail conditions to be reasonable and proportionate.
The caucus argued that the financial burden imposed by the bail terms effectively penalizes the accused before trial and violates the principle of presumed innocence.
“Mr. Wahab is not a flight risk. His record of public service is well known. This is political persecution disguised as justice,” the statement continued. “What happened is not just harsh—it sends a troubling message: public servants from past administrations can be targeted when power changes hands.”
The Minority also accused the current government of weaponizing state institutions like EOCO to intimidate political opponents, warning that such actions erode public trust and damage democratic institutions.
“This is not accountability. It is persecution. We urge EOCO’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Raymond Archer, to act with integrity. The way this case is handled will define his legacy.”
The caucus called on civil society, religious leaders, the media, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to speak up against what it sees as creeping institutional abuse.
“Ghana must rise above partisan revenge politics. Let us protect the integrity of our institutions. Justice must be fair—not fearful. Enough of the harassment and intimidation.”
The Minority however affirmed their support for accountability under the rule of law but insisted it must be pursued fairly and devoid of political interference.
Patricia Appiagyei – Deputy Minority Leader
