The Minority in Parliament has blasted the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), accusing it of political persecution in the arrest and bail conditions imposed on Abdul Hannan Wahab, ex-CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).
In a press statement released on June 29, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, minced no words: “You may control the present, but history will judge your conduct.”
The Minority says EOCO crossed the line when, on June 25, it orchestrated what they describe as a “coordinated arrest operation” in both Accra and Tamale, picking up Mr. Wahab and his wife “as though they were fugitives.”
Both are under investigation for alleged tax evasion, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state, but the Minority Caucus insists no charges have been proven.
“This is not justice—it is persecution,” the statement declares. “What happened is an abuse of investigative power. We’re witnessing the weaponisation of institutions to punish political opponents.”
The real outrage, however, surrounds the bail conditions.
Mr. Hannan Wahab was slapped with a GH¢50 million bail, requiring two sureties, both to be justified, meaning they must prove assets matching the full amount.
His wife was also granted bail at GH¢30 million with similarly heavy requirements.
“These are not bail conditions. These are financial shackles,” the Minority argues. “They amount to punishment before trial. Where in our laws does it say you must risk bankruptcy to prove your innocence?”
Citing Section 96 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Kpebu v. Attorney-General, the Minority Caucus says bail must be reasonable and reflect the financial standing of the accused.
“Mr. Wahab is not a flight risk. He’s a public servant with a known address, a family man, not a criminal. He deserves dignity, not humiliation,” the statement adds.
The Minority Caucus took direct aim at EOCO’s Acting Executive Director, Raymond Archer, warning that “how he handles this will define his legacy. Posterity is watching. Ghana is bigger than any political party.”
They say the trend is clear, state institutions are being manipulated under the current NDC administration to intimidate past government officials.
“We’re not against accountability. But this isn’t about justice. This is about vengeance,” the statement reads.
“When institutions become tools for settling political scores, we lose our democracy.”
Calling on civil society, media, and religious leaders to rise and resist the abuse, the Minority demanded an immediate review of the bail conditions, insisting they be “fair, lawful, and not disguised punishment.”
“Enough of the harassment. Enough of the intimidation. Let us protect the justice system from partisan poison,” they concluded.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
