Hanan trial: Court adjourns case to September 29

An Accra High Court has denied a request to postpone the trial of Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), until October 2026. The defense had sought the lengthy adjournment pending the determination of a stay of proceedings application filed at the Court of Appeal.

Presiding Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga ruled that the mere filing of such an application does not automatically halt proceedings in the trial court. However, the court granted a shorter adjournment on health grounds. Both lawyers representing Aludiba and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, submitted medical reports indicating they were excused from work, leading to the revised adjournment dates.

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I cannot, therefore, say that counsel intends to use their health as a basis to unduly delay the process.

The case has now been scheduled for September 29 and 30, 2026. During the proceedings, Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai had opposed the defense's request for a long adjournment, questioning the availability of counsel who had previously cited legal vacation and travel plans. He noted that subsequent medical reports indicating outpatient appointments raised questions about the lawyer's jurisdiction.

Justice Achibonga acknowledged the medical reports but stated that the court was not automatically bound to adjourn. He noted that this was the first such request on health grounds for both counsel, and the circumstances did not suggest an intention to unduly delay the proceedings. The court granted the adjournment after considering that the medical report for the first accused's counsel indicated a six-week recovery period, though the start date was not specified.

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I have no reason to doubt the medical report from counsel for the first accused’s Hospital dated August 17, 2026.