The trial of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab, has been adjourned to September 29 and 30, 2026.
The adjournment followed the submission of a medical excuse duty by his lawyer, Godfred Yeboah Dame, through the accused person.
The development comes after the absence of Mr Dame raised concerns at a previous hearing, when his client told the Accra High Court that the lawyer was unwell and had been receiving medical attention.
At the August 12 sitting, Mr Abdul-Wahab explained that his lead counsel had been in and out of hospital due to ill health.
The prosecution subsequently questioned the explanation, pointing out that the defence had not provided medical documentation to substantiate the claim.
The court consequently adjourned the case to allow counsel to appear and address issues concerning an application for a stay of proceedings.
At the latest hearing, the medical excuse duty was formally presented through Mr Abdul-Wahab, prompting the court to reschedule the proceedings.
Mr Abdul-Wahab is standing trial alongside his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, over alleged financial and procurement-related offences linked to the operations of NAFCO.
The couple have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include stealing, defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abuse or use of public office for profit, dishonestly receiving and money laundering.
The amount allegedly involved in the case has previously been reported to be about GH¢78 million.
The case has gone through several legal challenges since the trial began.
In July, the High Court rejected an application by Mr Dame seeking to have the entire charge sheet against his client struck out. The court, however, directed the prosecution to amend two counts relating to alleged defrauding by false pretences.
The defence has also filed an application at the Court of Appeal seeking a stay of proceedings, as Mr Abdul-Wahab and his legal team continue to challenge aspects of the prosecution’s case and the trial process.
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