The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has returned £6,700, GHS 2,750, two laptop computers, and at least six mobile phones to former Ghana Buffer Stock Company CEO Hanan Abdul Wahab Hanan. The items were also returned to his wife, Hajia Faiza Wuni, and their driver. This action follows a successful legal challenge by Mr. Hanan's defence team.
These items were seized during investigations into a financial crimes case involving allegations against the state. Some items were taken in 2025. The cash, one laptop, and two mobile phones were seized on July 4, 2026. This occurred when Mr. Hanan was arrested at the airport and detained for four days. He had a court order to travel abroad for medical treatment.
This development highlights the ongoing scrutiny of public officials and financial accountability in Ghana. High-profile cases involving state assets often draw significant public attention. The legal processes involved underscore the importance of due process and constitutional rights. Ghana's legal system continues to navigate complex financial crimes. This case adds to a series of prosecutions aimed at curbing corruption and ensuring transparency in public service. The Economic and Organised Crime Office plays a critical role in these efforts.
Lead counsel for Mr. Hanan, former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, argued that the trial could not proceed without the seized items. He stated, "The phones contain information necessary for the conduct of the trial and related to matters that are central to the subject matter of the proceedings." Mr. Dame emphasized the need for these items to enable Mr. Hanan to prepare adequately for his defence. This includes raising objections to prosecution documents, as protected by Article 19(2)(e) and (g) of the 1992 Constitution. Counsel for the second accused, Faizal Wuni, Augustine Obour, also requested the return of his client's electronic devices for her defence.
The return of these items could significantly impact the ongoing financial crimes trial. Access to electronic devices and funds may strengthen the defence's ability to challenge the prosecution's case. This situation also sets a precedent for how seized evidence is handled in future high-profile cases. Decision-makers in law enforcement and the judiciary will observe the implications for trial fairness. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by legal experts and the public. It could influence future investigative and prosecutorial strategies in Ghana.
The prosecution had initially argued that the trial could proceed while the court decided on the application for the items' release. However, the trial court, presided over by Justice Francis Achibonga, disagreed. Justice Achibonga ruled that the prosecution could not begin its case or call its first witness. This was contingent on the determination of the application for the release of the phones and other property. The court acknowledged that the defence counsel might need access to the phones for adequate preparation. Following this ruling, EOCO released the items on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The return of the items followed a petition from Mr. Hanan's lawyers, Messrs Dame & Partners. They petitioned the EOCO Executive Director, Raymond Archer, and the Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine. The lawyers asserted that the items were retained without legal justification. They noted that when Mr. Hanan reported to EOCO on July 9, 2026, he received only an empty purse, a wristwatch, and his boarding pass. The investigating officer, Frank Cromwell, reportedly stated he lacked authorisation to release the remaining items. These included two mobile phones and three envelopes containing £5,000, £1,700, and GHS 2,750. The defence claimed the cash was borrowed for medical travel expenses. They also accused EOCO officials of violating Mr. Hanan’s constitutional right to privacy. This was based on allegations that data on two seized phones was accessed without judicial authorisation on July 6 and July 7, 2026. This occurred while Mr. Hanan was in state custody. The lawyers further argued that EOCO's continued retention of his passport contradicted a High Court order from June 29, 2026. That order had released the passport for medical travel, directing its return to the High Court Registrar upon his return. The defence demanded a full account of accessed data and threatened further legal action.
This development occurs amidst other challenges in Mr. Hanan's prosecution. In May 2026, the prosecution withdrew initial charges against him. He was then re-arraigned on new charges. A significant portion of previously presented evidence was also withdrawn. Mr. Dame challenged the new charges, arguing that parts of the charge sheet were defective. This led to further amendments. The dispute over seized cash and electronic devices adds another layer to the ongoing trial. The prosecution is now preparing to present its case. The legal proceedings continue to unfold, with significant implications for the parties involved.