Paragraph 1: The Impending Showdown
Tensions are set to escalate on Monday, July 7, 2025, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and members of the Minority in Parliament prepare to converge at the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in a show of protest. The planned demonstration is in direct response to the continued detention of Abdul-Wahab Hanan, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), which the NPP deems unlawful and unjustified. This gathering marks the culmination of mounting frustration within the party over what they perceive as EOCO’s blatant disregard for Mr. Hanan’s rights and due process.
Paragraph 2: Allegations of Unjust Detention
The central issue fueling the NPP’s ire is the alleged denial of Mr. Hanan’s freedom despite his purported fulfillment of all stipulated bail conditions. The party contends that EOCO is holding him captive unjustly, effectively punishing him before any court proceedings have taken place. Salam Mustapha, the NPP National Youth Organiser, articulated these grievances on Channel One TV’s Newsroom, emphasizing the party’s demand for Mr. Hanan to be formally charged and presented before a court if there is credible evidence against him, rather than being subjected to indefinite detention. This demand underscores the NPP’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fair treatment within the legal system.
Paragraph 3: Frustration with EOCO’s Conduct
Adding to the NPP’s discontent is EOCO’s apparent lack of communication and transparency regarding Mr. Hanan’s case. Mr. Mustapha expressed his exasperation with the agency’s silence, claiming that EOCO officials, including Raymond Archer and his deputies, have been unresponsive to calls urging them to review the situation and process Mr. Hanan’s release. The NPP alleges that an evaluation report confirms Mr. Hanan has met and even exceeded the bail requirements, further reinforcing their conviction that his continued detention is arbitrary and punitive.
Paragraph 4: The Arrest and Bail Controversy
The saga began on June 25, 2025, with the arrest of Abdul-Wahab Hanan and his wife in connection with investigations into alleged financial improprieties at NAFCO. While his wife has since been granted bail set at GH¢30 million, Mr. Hanan remains in custody. EOCO maintains that the GH¢60 million bail conditions for his release have not been fully satisfied. This discrepancy in the treatment of Mr. Hanan compared to his wife fuels the NPP’s suspicion of selective enforcement and reinforces their perception of injustice.
Paragraph 5: Expanding the Scope of Investigations
The arrests of Mr. Hanan and his wife were part of a larger EOCO operation targeting suspected economic crimes related to NAFCO, spanning across Accra and Tamale. A third individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was also apprehended in connection with the case. This broader context suggests a complex investigation into alleged financial misconduct within NAFCO, potentially involving multiple actors and transactions. The ongoing nature of the investigation adds another layer of complexity to Mr. Hanan’s situation, raising questions about the timing and justification for his continued detention.
Paragraph 6: The Protest and its Implications
The planned protest at EOCO headquarters is poised to intensify scrutiny of the agency’s handling of the case. The NPP and Minority MPs frame their actions not solely as a fight for Mr. Hanan’s release but as a broader stand against what they perceive as a pattern of arbitrary detentions and abuse of power. The demonstration represents a public challenge to EOCO’s authority and a demand for accountability in their investigative procedures. The outcome of the protest and the subsequent response from EOCO will likely have significant implications for the ongoing investigation, Mr. Hanan’s fate, and the public perception of justice and due process in the country. The event could also become a focal point in the ongoing political discourse, influencing public opinion and potentially impacting future elections.
