EOCO Returns Cash and Devices to Former Buffer Stock CEO Hanan After Court Order

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has returned seized cash, mobile phones and laptop computers to former Ghana Buffer Stock Company CEO Hanan Abdul Wahab Hanan, his wife Hajia Faiza Wuni, and their driver following a successful legal challenge by the defence team. The release of the items—comprising £6,700, GH¢2,750, two laptops and at least six mobile phones—marks a significant development in the high-profile financial crimes case involving allegations of offences against the state.

The accused persons' legal representatives, led by former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, had argued that trial proceedings could not advance until the seized items were returned. They contended that the mobile phones contained critical information necessary for adequate trial preparation and defence strategy. The High Court, presided over by Justice Francis Achibonga, agreed with the defence position and ruled that the prosecution could not commence its case or call its first witness until the application for release was determined.

The Constitutional and Legal Challenge

The return of the items follows a formal petition submitted by Dame and Partners to EOCO Executive Director Raymond Archer and Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine. The defence raised several serious allegations regarding the handling of the seized property. When Mr Hanan reported to EOCO on 9 July 2026 to collect his belongings after his release, he reportedly received only an empty purse, a wristwatch and his boarding pass. The investigating officer, Frank Cromwell, allegedly stated he lacked authorisation to release the remaining items.

The defence team further accused EOCO of violating Mr Hanan's constitutional right to privacy, alleging that data stored on the two seized mobile phones was accessed without judicial authorisation on 6 and 7 July 2026 whilst he remained in state custody. They also contended that EOCO's retention of his passport contradicted a High Court order dated 29 June 2026, which had released the passport specifically to facilitate medical travel abroad and directed its return to the Court Registrar upon his return to Ghana.

Why This Matters for Ghana

This case highlights crucial issues surrounding due process, constitutional protections and the powers of law enforcement agencies in Ghana. The outcome reinforces important principles: that accused persons retain certain rights during investigation and trial, that electronic devices and personal property cannot be indefinitely withheld without legal justification, and that courts will intervene to protect fundamental rights to adequate defence preparation.

The situation also reflects ongoing scrutiny of EOCO's operational procedures. The defence allegations regarding unauthorised data access raise broader questions about digital privacy protections and the safeguards governing investigative conduct. The fact that the prosecution subsequently withdrew initial charges before re-arraigning Mr Hanan on new charges, and then withdrew significant portions of previously presented evidence, suggests complexities and possible weaknesses in the prosecution's case—developments that underscore the importance of defence teams having access to materials for proper case preparation.

For Ghanaians following this case, it demonstrates how the judicial system can check executive power and enforce constitutional safeguards. The court's decision to halt proceedings until the items were returned represents an important assertion that financial crimes investigations, however serious, must still operate within constitutional and legal boundaries.

Background and Next Steps

The cash seized from Mr Hanan—three separate envelopes containing £5,000, £1,700 and GH¢2,750—was reportedly borrowed specifically to cover travel and medical expenses. Mr Hanan had been detained for four days after arrest at the airport whilst attempting to travel abroad for medical purposes under an existing court order. The items were eventually released on 5 October 2026 following the court's determination.

With the seized items now returned, the trial is expected to proceed with the prosecution calling its first witness. The defence now possesses the necessary materials to prepare its case adequately and respond to evidence presented by the prosecution.