Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Minority in Parliament are staging a protest march today to the offices of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra, demanding the immediate release of former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) CEO, Abdul-Wahab Hanan.
The demonstration follows growing outrage within the party over what they describe as Hanan’s “unlawful and punitive” detention, despite reportedly meeting bail conditions.
Hanan was arrested on June 25 as part of EOCO’s ongoing investigations into alleged economic crimes at NAFCO. His arrest, which occurred simultaneously in Accra and Tamale, also involved his wife and a third unnamed individual. While his wife has since been granted bail of GH¢30 million, Hanan remains in custody over what EOCO says is an incomplete fulfilment of his GH¢60 million bail terms.
But according to the NPP, those conditions have been met and EOCO’s refusal to release him has sparked accusations of legal overreach.
“If Hanan has done something wrong, put him before a court of law and let him have his day,” said Salam Mustapha, National Youth Organiser of the NPP, during an appearance on Channel One TV on Sunday.
Mustapha expressed frustration over EOCO’s alleged refusal to respond to multiple calls, claiming that officials have ignored attempts by Hanan’s legal team to secure his release.
“The evaluation report we have exceeds the conditions they themselves set. Yet no one at EOCO is answering. So, what’s the real reason for keeping him there? It feels like punishment without a charge,” he added.
Today’s protest is expected to include NPP youth members, Members of Parliament, party executives, and sympathisers, all marching to EOCO headquarters to demand answers.
The case has quickly become politically charged, with critics accusing EOCO of undermining due process. Meanwhile, EOCO has remained tight-lipped on the matter, declining to comment publicly on the specifics of Hanan’s bail situation.
