The minority in Parliament has expressed strong disapproval over what it describes as a “pre-trial punishment” masked as bail conditions imposed on and his wife.
The couple was arrested on June 25, 2025, in a coordinated operation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra and Tamale. They are being investigated for alleged tax evasion, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
However, the minority insists that the manner of their arrest and the severity of their bail terms point to political persecution rather than due process.
“Mr Wahab was picked up like a fugitive. His wife, too. This is not justice; it’s humiliation,” said Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei in a strongly worded statement issued on June 29.
The bail amounts—GH¢50 million for Wahab and GH¢30 million for his wife—have sparked outrage among Minority MPs, who called the conditions “punitive and excessive”.
“These are allegations. No charges have been proven. So why impose bail conditions that are more punishing than a conviction?” Appiagyei questioned, suggesting that EOCO was weaponizing legal procedures for political gain.
Citing Section 96 of Ghana’s Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), the Minority argued that bail exists to ensure a suspect’s appearance in court, not to inflict undue hardship.
“The law is clear—bail should not be an instrument of punishment. These conditions are simply outrageous,” the statement read.
The group maintains that Wahab poses no flight risk and should not be treated as a criminal. “He has served this country with distinction. He’s a family man, not a fugitive. He’s not going to disappear. What exactly is the state afraid of?”
The minority also accused the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of conducting a “quiet campaign of retribution” against former officials of the previous administration.
“This is not about accountability—it’s about settling scores. The pattern is clear. People who served under the previous administration are being targeted,” the statement claimed.
They issued a caution to EOCO’s Acting Executive Director, Raymond Archer, urging him to uphold the integrity of the institution.
“History will judge your conduct. Posterity is watching. Ghana is bigger than any political party,” the statement warned.
While reaffirming their support for transparency and accountability, the minority stressed that justice must be fair, non-selective, and free from political manipulation.
“Weaponizing institutions for politics is a threat to our democracy. What was wrong yesterday is still wrong today, no matter who is in power.”
The minority is calling for an immediate review of the bail conditions imposed on Wahab and his wife, insisting that the current terms are unjust and degrading.
“This is not bail; it’s punishment. Mr Wahab and his wife must be released on reasonable terms that reflect their rights and dignity.”
The statement ended with a call to action, urging civil society, the media, religious leaders, and the general public to resist what they described as “a dangerous trend”.
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