NAFCO CEO Trial Adjourned as GACL Managing Director Files GH¢10m Defamation Lawsuit

High-profile legal proceedings have dominated the Ghanaian judiciary this week, ranging from criminal trials involving former state officials to multi-million cedi defamation suits. The Accra High Court has deferred the trial of Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), while the Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has initiated legal action over social media allegations. Simultaneously, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is moving to arraign a lawyer following his voluntary surrender to authorities.

In the NAFCO case, Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga has adjourned proceedings until October 7, 2026. The postponement follows a defense application demanding the release of mobile phones and other properties seized from Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni. The accused face multiple charges, including financial misconduct, stealing, and money laundering. While the prosecution maintains that they are ready to proceed with the trial, the defense argues that the information contained on the seized devices is critical for their preparation. The court has prioritized resolving the property release application before the trial continues.

On the civil front, GACL Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare is seeking GH¢10 million in damages from Samuel Bryan Buabeng. The lawsuit, filed in the High Court, centers on Facebook posts from September 22, 2026, which Mrs. Opare claims falsely linked her to narcotics trafficking and abuse of office. In addition to financial compensation, the writ demands a public retraction and an apology to be displayed prominently on the defendant’s page for 30 days. Mr. Buabeng has been given eight days to respond to the writ or face a default judgment, marking a significant move against online defamation involving public officials.

Rounding out the legal activity, EOCO has clarified the status of Nana Baffour Agyei Awuah, who surrendered to authorities on October 1. The agency dismissed reports that the suspect had been granted a GH¢50 million bail, describing such claims as unverified media reports. Working in coordination with the Attorney-General’s Office, EOCO intends to bring the lawyer before a weekend court to ensure compliance with statutory detention limits. These cases collectively highlight a period of intensive scrutiny for both current and former public figures as the state and private individuals seek redress through the legal system.