By Issah Olegor
The premises of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra witnessed high drama on Monday, July 7, 2025, as tensions flared between members of the Minority in Parliament, New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters, and police officers.
The confrontation stemmed from the continued detention of the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Abdul-Wahab Hannan, despite reports that he had met his bail conditions.
Hannan and his wife were arrested on June 25 over alleged involvement in financial malfeasance related to procurement and distribution contracts under NAFCO.
While Mrs. Hannan was later granted bail of GH¢30 million and released, her husband remains in EOCO custody despite reportedly satisfying the GH¢60 million bail set by the court.
The development has fueled accusations of political persecution and disregard for the rule of law, particularly among members of the opposition NPP.
On Thursday, July 3, a small group of NPP loyalists gathered at EOCO in protest, but Monday’s events marked a significant escalation.
Supporters, led by the party’s Youth Organizer Salam Mustapha, massed outside the EOCO gates demanding immediate clarity and the release of Hannan.
Salam Mustapha, speaking to Channel One TV, said, “We were advised initially not to hit the streets, but the silence from EOCO and the frustration of our members have pushed us to this point. We are not backing down until justice is done.”
He emphasized that the demonstration was not just a show of support for Hannan, but a protest against what he described as a dangerous precedent of state institutions ignoring judicial directives.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of the protest, police reinforced their presence early Monday morning, erecting barricades and restricting access to EOCO’s premises.
Riot police with shields and crowd control equipment were stationed at key points, effectively locking out hundreds of protesters who had converged from across Greater Accra.
Clashes briefly erupted when some MPs attempted to cross police lines to meet with EOCO officials, demanding answers about why Hannan remains in custody.
Eyewitnesses reported a tense standoff and minor scuffles as the police insisted on denying entry.
Inside the EOCO compound, family members of Hannan, including his legal team, were reportedly seeking an audience with EOCO executives.
However, sources close to the legal team allege that EOCO has yet to offer a formal explanation as to why the former NAFCO CEO remains in detention.
This unfolding drama has taken on a broader political dimension.
The NPP is portraying Hannan’s continued detention as part of a wider pattern of harassment targeting officials associated with the former Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is expected to address the issue on the floor of Parliament later this week, with reports suggesting a possible motion for a parliamentary probe into EOCO’s conduct.
The Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Department has so far declined to comment publicly on the matter, citing ongoing investigations.
However, pressure is mounting on EOCO to provide a legal justification for keeping Hannan in custody, or risk accusations of contempt of court.
As of Monday afternoon, the police maintained control of the EOCO surroundings, while protest leaders vowed to return in greater numbers if their demands are not met.
