The ongoing trial involving former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company, Hanan Abdul Wahab, has been postponed to September 29 and 30 after his lead lawyer, Godfred Yeboah Dame, submitted a medical excuse duty to the court through his client.
The latest development follows concerns previously raised by the Accra High Court regarding the absence of Mr Dame, who is representing the former NAFCO chief executive in the criminal proceedings.
During an earlier hearing on August 12, Mr Abdul Wahab informed the court that his lead counsel was indisposed and had been receiving medical attention at various hospitals. The prosecution subsequently questioned the explanation, pointing out that no medical documentation had been provided at the time to substantiate the claim.
The court consequently deferred the matter to allow defence counsel to appear and address issues connected to an outstanding application seeking a stay of proceedings.
At the most recent sitting, however, the defence provided the medical documentation through Mr Abdul Wahab, enabling the court to take the circumstances surrounding counsel’s absence into consideration. Proceedings were subsequently adjourned until September 29 and 30.
Mr Abdul Wahab is standing trial alongside his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, over allegations concerning the administration and financial management of NAFCO. Both accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them and continue to contest the allegations before the court.
The prosecution has levelled several serious charges against the couple, including stealing, defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abuse or misuse of public office for profit, dishonestly receiving and money laundering. Previous reports have estimated the financial value associated with the allegations at approximately GH¢78 million.
The proceedings have been marked by several legal challenges since the case was initiated, with the defence taking steps to contest aspects of the charges and the manner in which the prosecution has proceeded.
In July, the High Court rejected an application filed by Mr Dame seeking the dismissal of the entire charge sheet against his client. The court, however, directed the prosecution to make amendments to two counts involving allegations of defrauding by false pretences.
The former NAFCO chief executive has also informed the court that the defence has lodged an application at the Court of Appeal seeking a stay of proceedings. The application forms part of the broader legal efforts by the defence to challenge aspects of the prosecution and the continuation of the trial.
With the latest adjournment, the substantive proceedings are now expected to resume when the parties return before the Accra High Court on September 29 and 30, subject to any further directions or developments arising from the pending legal applications.
