The Minority in Parliament has expressed serious concerns about the bail conditions imposed on former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) CEO Abdul Hannan Wahab and his wife, following their arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on allegations including tax evasion and money laundering.
In a statement issued on June 29, the Minority described the bail amounts—GH¢50 million for Mr. Wahab and GH¢30 million for his wife—as excessively punitive, warning that such conditions risk undermining the principles of justice and due process.
Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei criticised the mode of arrest and subsequent legal treatment, suggesting that the stringent bail requirements amount to a form of “pre-trial punishment” that could damage the accused’s reputation and rights before any court verdict.
“The purpose of bail is to ensure a defendant’s appearance in court, not to act as a deterrent or inflict hardship. The conditions set here appear disproportionate and raise questions about fairness,” she stated.
The Minority underscored the need for institutions like EOCO to operate with impartiality, cautioning against any perception that legal tools are being used as instruments of political reprisal.
“The integrity of our justice system depends on separating politics from prosecution. Selective targeting based on previous public service roles threatens democratic norms and public trust,” the statement warned.
Highlighting that Mr. Wahab has no known flight risk and has served the nation with distinction, the Minority called for a prompt reassessment of the bail terms to uphold the accused’s dignity and fundamental rights.
The statement also urged civil society actors, religious leaders, and the media to vigilantly safeguard Ghana’s institutions from politicization.
“This moment calls for vigilance from all sectors to ensure justice is administered fairly and transparently, without fear or favour,” it concluded.
While affirming their support for accountability and legal scrutiny, the Minority cautioned that justice must remain consistent and free from vindictiveness.
As the debate intensifies, the calls for a balanced approach highlight the ongoing tension between enforcing the law and preserving democratic fairness in politically sensitive cases.
