By Issah Olegor
Policy think tank IMANI Africa has weighed in on the latest developments in the ongoing Buffer Stock case, with its President, Franklin Cudjoe, questioning the State’s handling of the prosecution following the withdrawal of charges against former NAFCO Chief Executive Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba and his co-accused.
In a strongly worded reaction, Cudjoe revealed that he had initially been convinced by the State’s case when details first emerged in late 2025, describing the narrative presented at the time as “watertight.”
That early confidence, he noted, was shaped by public briefings and disclosures from the Attorney-General’s Department, which outlined what appeared to be a comprehensive case involving allegations of financial impropriety at the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).
From Strong Claims To Sudden Withdrawal
The case, which has spanned several months, involved 24 criminal charges, including stealing, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
Prosecutors alleged that Hanan, during his tenure as CEO between 2017 and 2023, had engaged in a scheme to divert public funds tied to food supply programmes, including support for the government’s Free SHS initiative.
However, proceedings became increasingly complicated as the trial progressed. Defence lawyers challenged the credibility of key evidence, some of which was later withdrawn by the prosecution. The court also raised concerns about investigative procedures, including the seizure of personal devices and asset freezes.
In a dramatic development in May 2026, the Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, discontinued the prosecution, citing the discovery of fresh evidence and the need to ensure a fair and speedy trial.
Shortly after, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) re-arrested Hanan, indicating that investigations were still ongoing and that new charges could be filed.
IMANI Questions Basis For Restarting Case
Reacting to these developments, Cudjoe acknowledged that the Attorney-General has the legal authority to withdraw charges and refile them where necessary. However, he stressed that such a decision—especially after nearly a year of active court proceedings must be backed by substantial and compelling new evidence.
He cautioned that without clear justification, the process risks appearing as a “legal merry-go-round,” where accused persons are subjected to prolonged uncertainty without resolution.
“After nearly a year of the charges remaining active in court, there must be a very significant discovery of new evidence to justify this course of action,” he stated.
Concerns Over Due Process And Public Confidence
The IMANI President further warned that the current trajectory of the case could have broader implications for public confidence in the justice system and anti-corruption efforts.
He referenced concerns about ORAL (a term increasingly used in public discourse around accountability and rule-of-law processes), suggesting that the situation does little to strengthen perceptions of fairness and institutional credibility.
Cudjoe emphasized that the Attorney-General owes the public a clear explanation regarding the nature of the new evidence and the rationale behind restarting the prosecution.
Call Against Prolonged Detention
Beyond procedural concerns, IMANI also raised issues about the treatment of the accused persons, particularly in relation to their continued detention or re-arrest by EOCO.
Cudjoe argued that, based on available information, the accused have conducted themselves with composure and cooperation throughout the investigation and court process, and therefore should not be subjected to undue restrictions or prolonged detention.
“The accused should not be held unduly by EOCO,” he noted, urging authorities to respect their constitutional rights while pursuing the case.
A Case Under Renewed Scrutiny
The Buffer Stock case, once presented as a flagship anti-corruption prosecution, now finds itself under renewed scrutiny not only over the allegations themselves but also over how the case is being handled by investigators and prosecutors.
