A Political Scientist and Research Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, has urged state institutions to be more transparent when handling high-profile investigations, saying clear communication is essential to maintaining public confidence in the country’s justice system.
Speaking about theformer National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer, Hanan Abdul-Wahab case, Dr. Osae-Kwapong said although investigative bodies have the legal authority to investigate suspected wrongdoing, they should do more to explain the reasons behind their actions, particularly in cases that attract widespread public interest.
His comments follow the arrest and subsequent release of former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), a case that has generated significant public debate.
He said public confidence in law enforcement depends not only on whether agencies act within the law but also on how effectively they communicate their decisions and respect the rights of citizens.
The CDD researcher further observed that some state institutions tend to focus heavily on the powers granted to them by law while paying less attention to public perception and the need to protect due process.
He stressed that investigative agencies should strike a balance between exercising their legal authority and safeguarding the constitutional rights of individuals under investigation.
According to him, doing so would strengthen trust in the administration of justice rather than undermine it.
The controversy stems from the legal proceedings involving former NAFCO CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, who were initially charged alongside others over alleged financial offences linked to the state-owned company.
The Attorney-General later withdrew the charges, explaining that fresh evidence had emerged, leading to the discharge of the accused persons by the court.
However, EOCO subsequently rearrested Abdul-Wahab and his wife, a move that sparked criticism from their legal team.
Former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, who is representing Abdul-Wahab, has maintained that his client is innocent and described the rearrest at the Accra International Airport on July 4 as unlawful.
He also disputed claims by the Attorney-General that an application had been filed to review a High Court order permitting his client to travel.
