Copyright ghanaguardian
The Attorney-General has filed a 24-count criminal charge against the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, his wife Faiza Seidu Wuni, and three others, following months of investigations into the alleged embezzlement and laundering of over GH¢78 million in public funds. The charges, which were officially filed at the Accra High Court (Criminal Division), involve serious offences including stealing, money laundering, fraudulent breach of trust, and using public office for private gain. Also charged are The Aludiba Foundation, Energy Partners Limited, and one Richard Sam-Asante, the former Head of Finance at NAFCO, who is currently on the run. Background Hanan Abdul-Wahab, who was appointed as NAFCO CEO in February 2017, oversaw the government’s food buffer stock system intended to stabilize food prices and support farmers. However, his tenure became the subject of public scrutiny after intelligence reached the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in early 2025, alleging large-scale misappropriation of funds. EOCO’s preliminary investigations revealed that Hanan and his associates had allegedly engaged in complex financial schemes to divert public funds from NAFCO accounts to private entities connected to him and his family between 2017 and February 2025. Alleged Diversion According to the prosecution’s findings, over GH¢50.8 million was siphoned through Sawtina Enterprise, a company owned by one of NAFCO’s regional managers, James Tieku-Apawu. Despite receiving huge sums from NAFCO, about 80% of the transactions had no legitimate supply of goods or services to justify the payments. Investigators traced most of these funds back to Hanan, his wife, and other entities linked to them. Further audits revealed additional unauthorized payments amounting to GH¢5.49 million to Aludiba Enterprise, a business personally owned by Hanan; GH¢4.4 million to Alqarni Enterprise, registered under his wife’s name; and GH¢251,050 to Energy Partners Limited, a company also controlled by the former CEO. None of these companies were recognized suppliers under NAFCO’s procurement framework. Money Laundering Through Family Businesses The prosecution alleges that between 2020 and 2022, Hanan transferred over GH¢13.2 million from NAFCO’s operational accounts into Fa-Hausa Ventures, another company owned by his wife, where both were authorized signatories. The funds were reportedly laundered through the purchase of luxury properties and business investments in Accra and Tamale, as well as through The Aludiba Foundation, which investigators describe as a “front” used to conceal proceeds of crime. Arrests and Bail Following EOCO’s findings, Hanan was arrested on June 25, 2025, during a coordinated operation at his residence at Chain Homes, Airport East, in Accra. His wife, Faiza Wuni, and other associates were also arrested in Tamale and Accra. They were later granted police inquiry bail while investigations continued. However, Richard Sam-Asante, who allegedly co-signed fraudulent cheques and facilitated the transfers, has since gone into hiding. Charges Filed The Attorney-General’s Office on October 28, 2025, filed 24 counts against the accused persons, including: Stealing (under Section 124(1) of Act 29) Fraudulently causing financial loss to the Republic Money laundering (under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 – Act 1044) Using public office for profit (Section 179C of Act 29) Intentional dissipation of public funds (SMCD 140) Next Steps in the Trial The case is expected to open at the High Court in Accra, with the prosecution expected to call bank officials, EOCO investigators, and internal auditors as witnesses. Prosecutors will tender extensive documentary evidence, including bank transfer records, internal memos, and property deeds, to prove the alleged financial misconduct.
