Accra, April 30, GNA – An Accra High Court has dismissed prosecution’s attempt to substitute statements of two witnesses in the ongoing trial of Hanan Abdul‑Wahab Aludiba, Chief Executive Officer of the National Buffer Stock Company, and four others.
During proceedings, Esi Dentah Yankah, Principal State Attorney, informed the court that new evidence had emerged and that substituted witness statements had been filed.
The witnesses affected were identified as James Teiku and Clara Naa Koshie Nyarko.
Mr Augustines Obuor, counsel for Faiza Seidu Wuni, the second accused, argued that the prosecution had previously indicated it was voluntarily concluding its Case Management Conference.
“Therefore, anything after the announcement is an abuse of the principle of law,” he said.
Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame, former Attorney General and counsel for Aludiba, contended that the prosecution should have sought leave of the court before filing the substituted statements.
“Clearly, they have not applied for leave and they have not demonstrated why leave should be granted,” he said.
Dame argued that the prosecution had not clarified whether the documents filed were amendments, additions, or entirely new witness statements.
“The witness statements have been filed and adopted before the court. From the processes filed, it cannot be determined whether it was an amendment to the already filed witness statements or addition or indeed an entirely new one. This is totally out of order. It is not known to the rules of the court before you, my Lord,” he said.
The trial judge upheld the defence’s arguments, ruling that under the Practice Direction, prosecution in criminal cases could not simply file new processes without leave of the court.
Meanwhile, the defence team questioned the prosecutorial authority under which the Attorney General’s office could delegate or authorise individuals to prosecute.
Mr Dame challenged the prosecution to produce documentation authorising Ms Yankah to conduct the case alongside an officer from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The court directed the prosecution to furnish it with the relevant legal provisions on authorisation.
EOCO officials are expected to appear before the court at its next sitting.
The matter has been adjourned to May 5, 2026.
Aludiba is standing trial with his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, and one Richard Sam Asante, who is currently at large.
They are jointly charged with two companies, Ludiba Foundation and Energy Partners Limited, on 24 counts including stealing, fraudulently causing financial loss to the State, money laundering, and defrauding by false pretences.
The accused are alleged to have caused financial loss of over GH¢61 million meant for the purchase and supply of food items under the national school feeding component of the Free Senior High School programme.
They have denied the charges and are currently on bail.
GNA
Reporter: Joyce Danso
[email protected]
Edited by Kenneth Sackey