HIGH COURT PAUSES BUFFER STOCK TRIAL AS SUPREME COURT TAKES UP LEGAL-VACATION DISPUTE
By Boakye Stephen
Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News Canada | August 18,2026
Accra, August 17, 2026 – The criminal trial involving former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, has been temporarily halted as the Supreme Court prepares to determine whether selected criminal cases may properly continue during the judiciary’s legal vacation.
Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga, sitting as an additional High Court judge, adjourned the case to August 25, 2026, pending the Supreme Court’s consideration of an injunction application scheduled for August 20.
The legal challenge was brought by defence lawyers who have questioned the directive permitting certain criminal trials to proceed during the vacation period.
Defence challenges vacation trials
The lawyers argue that judges sitting during legal vacation have traditionally dealt mainly with motions and interlocutory matters rather than substantive criminal trials.
Former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, representing Hanan Abdul-Wahab, described the authorisation of such trials as irregular and contrary to law.
The defence has therefore asked the Supreme Court to restrain the specialised High Courts from continuing substantive criminal proceedings during the vacation.
Justice Achibonga had earlier rejected a request to postpone the case until the next legal term, noting that doing so would undermine the purpose for which he had been assigned as a vacation judge.
However, he subsequently acknowledged the significance of the pending Supreme Court application and suspended the proceedings until the superior court determines the matter.
Case involves alleged GH¢78 million diversion
Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife are facing 20 counts, including allegations relating to causing financial loss to the state in connection with NAFCO and the School Feeding Programme.
The prosecution alleges that more than GH¢78 million in public funds was diverted for personal benefit.
Both accused persons have pleaded not guilty and are currently on bail.
The Supreme Court’s ruling could have implications beyond this particular case, particularly for other high-profile criminal trials scheduled during the legal vacation.
COMMENTARY
This development goes beyond one corruption case. It raises a fundamental question about judicial procedure, constitutional safeguards and the limits of administrative directives within the justice system. The Supreme Court’s determination on August 20 could provide important clarity on how substantive criminal proceedings should be handled during legal vacation.
