The Court of Appeal has ordered a stay of proceedings in the criminal trial of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, pending the determination of an appeal challenging a High Court ruling on the charges against him.

A three-member panel of the appellate court, sitting on Monday, October 19, 2026, ruled that exceptional circumstances had been established to justify suspending the trial.

The application was filed by Hanan’s lawyers, led by former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, after the High Court dismissed an application seeking to strike out the entire charge sheet.

The defence argued that fundamental defects in the charges affected the accused persons’ right to a fair trial and that the issues should be resolved before the substantive trial proceeds.

In July 2026, the High Court rejected the application to strike out the entire charge sheet but directed the prosecution to amend two counts relating to defrauding by false pretences, identified as Counts 9 and 14. The court held that the defects were not fatal to the prosecution’s case.

Dissatisfied with that decision, the defence appealed and subsequently sought a stay of proceedings pending the appellate court’s determination.

The state, represented by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the application, arguing that exceptional circumstances had not been established to warrant halting the trial.

However, the Court of Appeal granted the application, meaning proceedings at the High Court will remain suspended until the appeal is determined.

Charges against Hanan

Hanan and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, are facing multiple criminal charges linked to alleged financial irregularities involving the National Food and Buffer Stock Company.

The charges include stealing, defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, using public office for profit, dishonestly receiving, money laundering and intentional misapplication of public funds.

The stay of proceedings does not determine the merits of the substantive appeal or establish the guilt of either accused person. The appellate court is expected to determine whether the High Court was right to refuse to strike out the entire charge sheet.

The case will remain on hold at the High Court pending that determination.


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