Accra:Godfred Yeboah Dame, the lawyer representing former National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, has expressed approval of the Court of Appeal's decision to suspend his client's trial. Dame argues the charges against Hanan lack sufficient detail and clarity.
According to Ghana Web, the Court of Appeal's ruling on October 19, 2026, paused proceedings at the High Court. This stay is in place pending a decision on Hanan's appeal, which challenges alleged defects in the charge sheet. Dame criticized the charges for not specifying the individual acts and transactions underlying the sums alleged to have been stolen.
Dame stated that the trial has been unfair because the charges were vague, leaving his client at a disadvantage in preparing a defense. He likened the situation to "having your hands tied to your back, your eyes blindfolded, and being asked to fight in a boxing ring."
The lawyer emphasized that the prosecution failed to provide enough particulars to explain the specific acts and payments forming the basis of the allegations. He maintained that this lack of detail undermined Hanan's ability to mount an effective defense.
The Court of Appeal granted the stay of proceedings after determining that the issues raised by the defense constituted exceptional circumstances. This decision does not address the merits of the charges against Hanan and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, but the trial will remain on hold until the appeal is resolved.