Lawyers for the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Abdul-Wahab Hanan, and his wife, Faiza Sayyid Wuni, state they have been prevented from seeing their clients. This denial of access comes more than 24 hours after officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) re-arrested the couple. Junior lawyers attempted to see the clients at the EOCO office but were unsuccessful.
The couple, along with others, was re-arrested shortly after the Office of the Attorney General had dropped all charges against them. This action was based on the discovery of new evidence. Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah-Dame leads the legal team. He expressed concern over the practice, stating it is not healthy for the justice system. The legal team is working to engage with the relevant authorities to gain access.
The National Food Buffer Stock Company plays a crucial role in Ghana's food security initiatives. It aims to stabilize food prices and ensure availability, especially during lean seasons. The company's operations involve purchasing produce from farmers and storing it for later distribution. Past dealings have sometimes involved investigations into the company's financial management and procurement practices.
Godfred Dame stated in an interview that his junior colleagues were unable to see the clients even by 11 o'clock. He said that access had not been granted. Abdul Wahab Hanan reportedly fell ill during the process and received medical attention. He was then returned to EOCO custody. Dame added that even in custody, Hanan has not been given access to his lawyers.
Dame emphasized the importance of due process. He said that if the government has a solid case, it must follow legal procedures. This includes bringing the accused before a court. The court would then ensure all constitutional rights are upheld. This situation raises questions about the transparency of investigations and the adherence to legal protocols. Continued denial of access could lead to legal challenges from the defense team.