Godfred Dame welcomes Court of Appeal decision to suspend Hanan’s trial

Lawyer for former National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to suspend the trial, arguing that the charges against his client lack sufficient details.

The court on Monday, October 19, 2026, halted proceedings at the High Court pending the determination of an appeal challenging alleged defects in the charge sheet.

Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Mr Dame said the charges had made it difficult for his client to understand the specific transactions and actions underlying the allegations of theft.

“We thank God for this,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the court’s decision.

“I am not surprised that today the Court of Appeal has halted it because the charges really have been unfair to the accused person. The trial so far has been very unfair to the accused person in the sense that it is more or less like having your hands tied to your back, your eyes blind folded and being asked to fight in a boxing ring,” he said.

Mr Dame argued that the prosecution had grouped together sums allegedly stolen without clearly identifying the individual acts, payments and transactions said to constitute the offences.

He maintained that the lack of specific particulars undermined his client’s ability to prepare an adequate defence.

“That cannot be a fair trial. That is not the kind of criminal justice system our Republic is supposed to have,” he added.

The lawyer said the Constitution required that accused persons be given adequate information about the allegations against them to ensure a fair criminal trial.

The Court of Appeal granted the stay after determining that the issues raised by the defence amounted to exceptional circumstances warranting the suspension of proceedings.

READ ALSO:

EOCO returns Hanan’s £6,700, GH¢2,750 and devices after defence challenge

NAFCO trial involving Hanan Abdul-Wahab adjourned to September 29 and 30