By Issah Olegor
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised strong concerns over what it describes as the political persecution and unjust detention of Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).
Hanan, a known party figure, has now spent ten days in custody under the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) despite being granted bail.
In an emotionally charged open letter addressed to President John Dramani Mahama, NPP National Youth Organizer Salam Mustapha condemned the continued detention of Hanan as “deliberate, inhumane, wicked, malicious and dangerous.”
The letter, made public over the weekend, paints a picture of growing frustration within the NPP over what they see as political abuse of state institutions under the Mahama administration.
Bail Granted But Detention Continues
According to the letter, Hanan was granted bail by EOCO under what Mustapha described as “outrageous” conditions — a GH¢50 million bond with two sureties required to justify their worth. Despite meeting the conditions, including a valuation report on the sureties, Mustapha claims that EOCO has used administrative tactics to delay his release.
“On Wednesday, the sureties were justified, only to be told the EOCO boss was not available to sign off. The next day, he asked for a valuation report. That too was provided. Still, Hanan remains in detention,” the letter read.
Context Behind Hanan’s Arrest
Though details of the charges against Hanan have not been officially released, his detention is believed to be linked to alleged financial irregularities during his time as head of the state-run Buffer Stock Company, which is responsible for purchasing and distributing food supplies to public institutions, including senior high schools.
The Buffer Stock Company has come under scrutiny in recent years over alleged mismanagement, food shortages, and delayed payments to suppliers.
However, the NPP argues that Hanan has not been formally charged in court and therefore deserves due process rather than prolonged detention under administrative discretion.
Accusations of State-Sponsored Intimidation
The letter accuses President Mahama of presiding over what it calls “state-sponsored intimidation” through EOCO and other institutions.
Salam.Mustapha pointed out what he believes is a pattern of abuse — using harsh bail terms as a strategy to bypass court processes and punish political opponents extra-judicially.
“EOCO is not a court. If there is any evidence against Hanan, put him before a competent court of law and let him have his day. Let us practice the rule of law, not the rule of men,” Mustapha insisted.
Wider Allegations: Judiciary, EC, and Democracy in Decline
Beyond the Hanan case, the letter takes aim at broader governance concerns under Mahama’s second administration.
Salam Mustapha cited the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the alleged political appointments to the Supreme Court, and what he called the “unilateral” Electoral Commission directive to rerun votes in 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North — all as signs of creeping authoritarianism.
“Unfortunately, the goodwill of the Ghanaian people is not making you see it, or at best, it’s being taken for granted,” the letter warned.
Hanan: A “Good Neighbour” Victimized?
Adding a personal touch, Mustapha reminded the President that Hanan was not only a public servant but his own residential neighbor, suggesting that Mahama should have been more aware of and empathetic to his treatment.
“Sir, your neighbour Hanan has not been treated well. He’s not a criminal. Rather, a gentleman par excellence who has lived well with you,” he wrote.
Mounting Political Tensions
The letter has further inflamed political tensions between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition NPP, as each accuses the other of weaponizing state institutions.
