A photo collage of Patricia Appiagyei and Raymond Archer
The Minority in Parliament has criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), accusing the agency of engaging in politically motivated persecution following the arrest and imposition of harsh bail conditions on Abdul Hannan Wahab, a former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), and his wife.
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 29, 2025, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei condemned EOCO’s actions as “an abuse of investigative power,” warning its Acting Executive Director, Raymond Archer, that “you may control the present, but history will judge your conduct.”
The criticism stems from a dramatic arrest operation on June 25, during which EOCO officials detained Wahab and his wife in simultaneous swoops in Accra and Tamale.
The couple are under investigation for alleged tax evasion, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. However, according to the Minority, no formal charges have been brought forward.
The Minority Caucus expressed outrage not only at the manner of the arrests but also at the severe bail terms imposed.
Wahab was granted bail of GH¢50 million with two sureties, both to be justified requiring that the sureties demonstrate ownership of assets equivalent to the bail amount.
His wife’s bail was set at GH¢30 million with similar conditions.
“These are not bail conditions. These are financial shackles,” the statement read.
“They amount to punishment before trial. Where in our laws does it say you must risk bankruptcy to prove your innocence?”
Referencing 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 emphasised that bail must be fair, non-punitive, and proportionate to the financial status of the accused.
“Mr. Wahab is not a flight risk. He is a known public servant with a permanent address and family ties. What he deserves is dignity, not humiliation,” the statement added.
The Minority further accused EOCO of being weaponized by the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration to intimidate former appointees of the Akufo-Addo government.
“This is not about accountability. This is about vengeance. When institutions become tools for settling political scores, we lose our democracy,” the statement warned.
Calling the trend a “dangerous politicization of justice,” the Caucus insisted that the EOCO leadership risks damaging the credibility of the agency and Ghana’s justice system if it continues on this path.
“Mr. Archer, how you handle this will define your legacy. Posterity is watching. Ghana is bigger than any political party,” said Appiagyei.
“We are not against accountability. But justice must not be selective, nor should it be disguised as retribution. Let us protect our justice system from partisan poison,” the statement declared.
The group is now demanding an immediate review of the bail conditions imposed on Wahab and his wife, calling for terms that are “lawful, humane, and respectful of their constitutional rights.”
AM/KA
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