Ghana’s Attorney-General has filed a High Court application to overturn an order allowing Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. Mr. Aludiba is the first accused person in the ongoing Buffer Stock case. This new legal move follows his bail grant by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The application cites fresh developments concerning an alleged attempt by Mr. Aludiba to access frozen funds. According to Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), an affidavit supporting the application states Mr. Aludiba allegedly tried to rely on a different High Court order to access funds. These funds were held in bank accounts subject to valid freezing orders secured by EOCO.
This case is part of broader efforts to combat financial offenses and ensure accountability for public funds. Ghana has been taking stricter measures to prosecute individuals involved in economic crimes. The outcome of this application could influence future cases involving frozen assets and international travel for accused persons.
The prosecution argues that the attempted withdrawal breached Section 37 of the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804). This Act specifically prohibits transactions involving property or funds under a freezing order. The financial institution involved reportedly declined the withdrawal and subsequently alerted investigative authorities.
The Attorney-General's Office highlighted that the alleged attempt occurred shortly before Mr. Aludiba's scheduled departure to the UK. This raises significant concerns about compliance with existing court orders and the integrity of ongoing criminal proceedings. There are also concerns the accused might not return to Ghana to stand trial if permitted to leave.
A statement from the Attorney-General’s Office confirms their position. They believe these new facts were not before the court when the travel order was initially made. These material facts could significantly influence the court's decision regarding Mr. Aludiba's permission to travel outside the jurisdiction.
The Office of the Attorney General has acted promptly to bring these new developments before the court. They have invited the court to reconsider the travel order in the interest of justice. This application is part of the ordinary legal processes available in Ghana when circumstances change after a judicial order.
The Attorney-General's office also stressed that this action does not prejudge the substantive case before the court. Mr. Aludiba still benefits from the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty. This principle is a cornerstone of Ghana’s legal system.
The Buffer Stock case, involving Mr. Aludiba and another accused, concerns alleged financial offenses. The outcome of this specific application will be closely watched by legal professionals and the public. It will impact the balance between an accused person's rights and the state's efforts to prevent financial misconduct and ensure justice.