By Issah Olegor
The long-running Buffer Stock criminal trial involving former National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, has moved a step closer to full trial after the High Court completed the Case Management Conference and fixed dates in July for the commencement of evidence.
The latest court proceedings mark another significant stage in a case that has evolved into one of Ghana’s most closely watched anti-corruption prosecutions, following months of legal disputes, withdrawal of charges, re-arrests, fresh indictments, and political controversy.
Trial Finally Set To Begin
At the latest sitting of the court in Republic v. Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba & Another, the Case Management Conference was formally concluded, paving the way for substantive trial proceedings to commence.
The court fixed July 15, 20, 21 and 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. on each day for the prosecution to begin leading evidence through its first witness.
The hearing dates come after months of preliminary legal battles between the prosecution and defence over disclosures, evidence, and investigative procedures.
Background: From Withdrawn Charges To Fresh Prosecution
The case initially began in 2025 when the Attorney-General charged Hanan, his wife, and other accused persons with multiple offences, including stealing, money laundering, causing financial loss to the state, and abuse of public office.
However, in a dramatic development in May 2026, the Attorney-General withdrew the original charges, citing the emergence of fresh evidence.
Shortly afterward, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) re-arrested Hanan and his wife and launched further investigations.
EOCO later submitted a new investigative report to the Attorney-General, leading to the filing of a fresh charge sheet containing 20 counts, including allegations of stealing, fraud, abuse of office, dishonestly receiving and money laundering involving more than GH¢60 million.
Among the allegations are claims that Hanan fraudulently obtained GH¢734,400 in rent payments from NAFCO and diverted approximately GH¢50.8 million through transactions involving a private entity known as Sawtina Enterprise.
Prosecutors also allege that more than GH¢3.34 million was paid to a company linked to his wife under questionable circumstances.
Both accused persons have denied wrongdoing.
Defence Seeks Additional Documents
During the latest proceedings, lawyers for the accused persons informed the court that they require additional documents from the State to prepare their defence.
The defence formally applied for the disclosure of specific materials which they consider relevant to the trial.
In response, the prosecution indicated that it would require additional time to review the request and determine which documents could be disclosed.
The court is expected to address the issue before substantive evidence begins in July.
Court Orders Release of Seized Electronic Devices
The issue of electronic devices seized by investigators also resurfaced during proceedings.
Lawyers for the accused persons made an oral application seeking the return of mobile phones, laptops and other electronic gadgets confiscated during investigations.
The request follows earlier complaints by the defence that EOCO had continued holding personal devices belonging to the accused and members of their families despite failing to identify them as exhibits for trial.
The prosecution informed the court that it was prepared to release the devices within two weeks.
However, the State indicated that one Google Pixel mobile phone would be retained because it is expected to be tendered as evidence during the trial.
The court accepted the proposal and directed the State to proceed with the release of the remaining gadgets.
Hanan Seeks Permission for Medical Treatment Abroad
Another significant issue before the court was an application by Hanan seeking a short medical leave to travel to the United Kingdom for treatment relating to an eye condition.
Through his lawyers, the former NAFCO Chief Executive requested permission to temporarily leave Ghana in order to attend a medical review abroad.
The application was, however, met with concerns from the prosecution.
Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai urged the court to ensure that adequate justification was provided before any travel approval was granted.
Following submissions from both sides, the court directed the defence to produce evidence showing that the required specialist treatment is unavailable in Ghana and that a confirmed medical appointment has been scheduled in the United Kingdom.
The court fixed June 29, 2026, to hear the application.
Political and Public Interest Remains High
The Buffer Stock case has attracted enormous public interest since investigations first began, with opposition politicians, civil society groups and legal analysts closely monitoring developments.
The opposition New Patriotic Party has repeatedly accused the government and EOCO of political harassment, particularly following the withdrawal of the initial charges and subsequent re-arrest of the accused persons.
Civil society organizations, including IMANI Africa, have also called for transparency and due process, urging prosecutors to clearly explain the basis for the fresh charges after earlier proceedings were discontinued.
