By Opposition Denounces EOCO’s Conditions as “Pre-Trial Punishment”
Arrest of Former NAFCO CEO Sparks Political Storm
The Minority in Parliament has condemned the arrest and bail conditions imposed on former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) CEO, Abdul Hannan Wahab, and his wife. According to them, the GH¢80 million bail is a punitive measure disguised as lawful procedure. EOCO officials reportedly arrested the couple on June 25 in Accra and Tamale amid accusations of financial crimes.
Allegations Without Conviction
Wahab and his wife face allegations of tax evasion, money laundering, and financial loss to the state. Despite these accusations, the Minority stresses that no court has established guilt. They argue that imposing such a high bail without proven wrongdoing undermines the presumption of innocence.
“This Is Humiliation, Not Justice”
During a June 29 press briefing, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei criticized the arrest’s manner. She described it as excessive and intended to shame. “Mr. Wahab was picked up like a fugitive. His wife, too. This is not justice—it’s humiliation,” she said. Her comments reflect a larger concern about the misuse of state power.
Bail Terms Far Exceed Legal Standards
The Minority drew attention to Ghana’s Criminal Procedure Code (Act 30), Section 96, which defines bail as a mechanism to ensure court attendance—not a punishment. “These bail conditions are outrageous,” a party statement noted. The opposition contends that the figures—GH¢50 million for Wahab and GH¢30 million for his wife—suggest overreach by EOCO.
No Risk of Flight, Minority Claims
Supporters argue that Wahab has no prior record of fleeing or obstructing investigations. “He is a family man who has served the country with distinction,” said one Member of Parliament. They believe the couple’s profile does not justify such restrictive conditions, fueling accusations of political targeting.
Pattern of Political Retribution Alleged
The Minority alleges that this case fits a pattern of retribution against opposition figures. According to their statement, “This is not about fighting corruption—it’s about punishing former officials who pose a political threat.” They argue that legal processes are increasingly used as tools of intimidation.
EOCO Warned Against Bias
Raymond Archer, Acting Director of EOCO, was directly addressed by the Minority. They warned him against selective justice, stating, “Posterity is watching.” This phrase was meant to convey a warning that politically charged decisions may one day face national and historical scrutiny.
Concerns Over Erosion of Public Trust
Legal observers worry that harsh bail conditions could undermine public faith in the judiciary. If Ghanaians view enforcement agencies as partisan tools, the legitimacy of legal processes may suffer. The Minority stressed the importance of fair and proportional application of the law.
Calls for Review and Restraint
The Minority is now calling for an immediate reassessment of the bail terms and EOCO’s conduct. They want the Ghanaian legal system to uphold fairness and consistency, not fear and favoritism. They concluded, “Ghana belongs to us all, not just to the powerful.”
