By Daniel Bampoe
Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Abdul-Wahab Hannan, has finally regained his freedom after spending 14 days in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), sparking national debate over the fairness of bail conditions in high-profile investigations.
Hannan was arrested on June 25, 2025, alongside his wife, following allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure at NAFCO.
The arrest formed part of EOCO’s ongoing probe into suspected financial misconduct and irregularities in the operations of the state-run food supply agency.
While his wife was granted bail of GH¢30 million within days of the arrest, Hannan remained in custody after EOCO imposed a GH¢60 million bail requirement with two sureties.
Though his legal team insisted he had met the terms, EOCO officials reportedly delayed his release, citing the need to verify the sureties involved.
The extended detention drew sharp criticism from various quarters of the political spectrum, particularly from the Patriotic Party (NPP), to which Hannan is affiliated.
On Monday, July 7, party youth supporters and activists gathered at EOCO’s headquarters demanding his immediate release.
Among them was NPP National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, who accused authorities of employing “backdoor tactics” by weaponizing bail conditions to prolong detention.
“In Martin Kpebu v. The Republic, even murder is bailable. You cannot explain to any reasonable person why you will keep someone in custody beyond the stipulated lawful period and impose draconian bail conditions,” Mustapha argued. “It’s a way of holding the tail after pretending to release the head.”
Supporters and legal experts alike argued that the bail terms were disproportionate, especially in a case where investigations are still ongoing and no formal charges have been laid.
The situation fueled growing public concern over what critics call “selective justice” and the possible political undertones of some prosecutions.
The mounting pressure appears to have had an effect. On Tuesday, July 8, Hannan was finally released from custody.
He emerged from EOCO’s offices to an emotional scene as family members, party supporters, and well-wishers greeted him outside.
Sources close to the family say the former CEO is relieved but physically and emotionally exhausted by the ordeal.
The circumstances surrounding his arrest are linked to recent unrest within Ghana’s food supply sector.
NAFCO has come under intense scrutiny in recent years over the alleged mismanagement of funds meant to pay food suppliers under the government’s Free SHS programme.
Suppliers have persistently complained of unpaid debts amounting to GH¢270 million, leading to protests and picketing outside government offices in 2023 and 2024.
Though EOCO has remained tight-lipped about the details of the ongoing probe, it is believed Hannan’s arrest is part of efforts to investigate how funds were managed under his leadership.
His successor has since launched internal audits, while Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee is also reportedly monitoring the issue.
Hannan’s case is now expected to proceed to court for further hearings, but the political tension surrounding his arrest underscores broader public concerns about transparency, due process, and fairness in the justice system.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, now a prominent figure in the opposition NPP, reportedly visited EOCO’s offices in a show of solidarity with the embattled former CEO before his release.
