Minority condemns EOCO over “excessive” bail for former NAFCO CEO Hannan Wahab

The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over 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 (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Pusiga Constituency in the 2024 general elections.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, June 29, 2025, the Minority described the treatment of Mr. Wahab and his wife as “unacceptable” and “politically motivated,” warning against what they say is a growing trend of state institutions being used to settle political scores.

According to the Minority Caucus, EOCO conducted a coordinated arrest of Mr. Wahab and his wife on June 25 in both Accra and Tamale, treating them “as though they were fugitives.”

The couple is currently under investigation for alleged tax evasion, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. However, the Caucus noted that these are only allegations, and no formal charges have been proven in court.

What has drawn the Minority’s sharpest criticism is the bail granted to the couple. Mr. Wahab was given a bail amount of GHS 50 million with two sureties—both of whom must justify the full amount in assets. His wife was also granted bail at GHS 30 million, with one surety required to be justified.

“These conditions, by all standards, are excessive,” the statement read. “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.”

Citing Section 96 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), and a Supreme Court ruling in Kpebu No. 2 v Attorney-General, the Minority emphasized that bail conditions must be reasonable and reflect the financial capacity of the accused and the nature of the offence.

“Where in our laws does it say someone must risk bankruptcy just to secure their freedom while under investigation?” the group asked.

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The Minority described Mr. Wahab as a public servant with a strong track record, stating he poses no flight risk and should not be treated as a criminal. They allege the arrest and bail are part of a broader pattern of political intimidation under the current NDC administration.

“We believe this is not about justice—it is political persecution,” they declared. “It is part of a broader pattern under the current NDC administration to use state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents.”

The statement called on EOCO’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Raymond Archer, to demonstrate integrity and impartiality in handling the matter. “Posterity is watching. Ghana is bigger than any political party, and the abuse of institutional power will not be forgotten,” it added.

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Read the Minority’s full statement signed by Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei below:

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