The arrest and subsequent bail conditions imposed upon Alhaji Abdul Hannan Wahab, former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and current NPP parliamentary candidate for Pusiga, and his wife have sparked a vehement outcry from the Minority in Parliament. They allege that the actions of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) are politically motivated, constituting harassment and intimidation of a political opponent rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice. The Minority condemns what they see as a disturbing trend of weaponizing state institutions against perceived political rivals under the current NDC administration.
Central to the Minority’s condemnation is the staggering GH¢80 million bail amount imposed on the couple – GH¢50 million for Mr. Wahab and GH¢30 million for his wife, each with two sureties, one of which must be justified. The Minority argues that these conditions are not only excessive but also punitive, effectively acting as a pre-conviction sentence. They assert that bail is intended to ensure the accused’s appearance in court, not to inflict financial hardship or serve as a form of punishment before a trial has even taken place. Citing legal precedent, they emphasize that bail conditions must be reasonable and proportionate to both the alleged offense and the accused’s financial means. The exorbitant bail amount, they argue, clearly violates this fundamental principle.
The Minority vehemently rejects the notion that Mr. Wahab, a former public servant and family man, poses a flight risk. They portray him as an individual who has served Ghana diligently and honorably, and they question the necessity of such draconian measures. They see the arrest, particularly the manner in which it was conducted – described as a “coordinated operation” in both Accra and Tamale, treating the couple “as though they were fugitives” – as a deliberate act of intimidation designed to send a chilling message to other potential political opponents.
The accusations against Mr. Wahab, which include tax evasion, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state, remain unproven. The Minority stresses that the presumption of innocence until proven guilty is a cornerstone of a just legal system, and they accuse EOCO of prejudging the case through its actions. They contend that the arrest and the exorbitant bail are designed to publicly humiliate Mr. Wahab and tarnish his reputation, regardless of the eventual outcome of the legal proceedings.
This incident, according to the Minority, forms part of a larger pattern of political persecution under the current administration. They argue that state institutions are being increasingly used to silence dissenting voices and create a climate of fear among political opponents. They see the actions against Mr. Wahab as a blatant attempt to undermine the democratic process and stifle political competition. The Minority calls on civil society organizations, religious leaders, the media, and the general public to condemn this alleged abuse of power and defend the principles of justice and fairness.
The Minority’s statement directly addresses the Acting Executive Director of EOCO, Mr. Raymond Archer, urging him to act with integrity and reconsider the bail conditions. They warn that his handling of this case will define his legacy and have significant implications for the perceived impartiality of EOCO. They demand a review of the bail terms, insisting that they be fair, lawful, and respectful of the Wahabs’ fundamental rights. They call for an end to what they perceive as a growing culture of political harassment, persecution, and intimidation, and they urge a return to a political landscape characterized by respect for due process and the rule of law. They implore Ghanaians to resist the politics of revenge and retaliation and to safeguard the integrity of state institutions from political manipulation.
