The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament has vehemently criticized the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for what they perceive as excessively harsh and unreasonable bail conditions imposed on Alhaji Abdul Hannan Wahab, the immediate past CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), and his wife. Alhaji Wahab, who was also the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for the Pusiga Constituency in the 2024 elections, and his wife were apprehended on June 25th, 2024, and are currently under investigation for allegations of tax evasion, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. EOCO granted Alhaji Wahab bail set at GHS50 million with two sureties, both of whom must justify their financial capacity to guarantee the bail amount. His wife was granted bail of GHS30 million with two sureties, one of whom must be justified. The Minority contends that these conditions are not only excessive but also constitute a form of pre-trial punishment, deviating from the intended purpose of bail.
The Minority, in a statement issued on June 29th and signed by Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP Patricia Appiagyei, argues that the bail conditions are tantamount to a pre-conviction sentence and serve as an instrument of financial punishment rather than a mechanism to ensure the accused individuals’ appearance in court. They question the legal basis for such exorbitant bail amounts, emphasizing that bail should not impose the risk of bankruptcy on individuals who are still under investigation and presumed innocent until proven guilty. The statement highlights the fundamental principle that bail is intended to secure an accused person’s presence for trial, not to inflict punishment or intimidation.
Furthermore, the Minority criticizes the manner in which Alhaji Wahab and his wife were treated during the arrest and subsequent bail process, deeming it harsh and humiliating. They express concern that this treatment could establish a dangerous precedent, eroding the presumption of innocence and undermining the fairness of the justice system. The Minority demands an immediate review of the bail conditions, urging EOCO and the relevant authorities to ensure that the conditions are fair, reasonable, and consistent with the law, rather than serving as an indirect form of punishment.
The Minority’s core argument centers on the belief that the stringent bail conditions imposed on Alhaji Wahab and his wife are politically motivated, constituting an act of political persecution rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. They contend that the severity of the bail terms is disproportionate to the alleged offences and serves as a means of retribution against a political opponent. This perspective raises concerns about the potential for the justice system to be used as a tool for political vendettas, thereby undermining the rule of law and the principles of fairness and impartiality.
The Minority’s statement emphasizes the potential for a shift in power dynamics in the future, suggesting that the current actions by EOCO could set a precedent that may be applied against those currently in power. This underscores the importance of upholding the principles of due process and ensuring that the justice system is not manipulated for political gain, regardless of which party holds power. They argue that the pursuit of justice should be blind to political affiliations, prioritizing fairness and the protection of individual rights.
In essence, the Minority’s criticism of EOCO’s handling of the Alhaji Wahab case revolves around concerns of excessive bail, pre-trial punishment, and political persecution. They argue that the bail conditions are not only financially crippling but also represent a departure from the intended purpose of bail, which is to ensure the accused’s appearance in court, not to inflict punishment before a trial has taken place. The Minority calls for a review of the bail conditions to ensure fairness and adherence to legal principles, while also raising broader concerns about the potential politicization of the justice system. They warn against the dangers of using legal processes as instruments of political retribution, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and the principles of due process, regardless of political affiliations.
