Former Buffer stock boss, wife, and others face 24 counts for alleged stealing of GH¢78m

The Attorney-General’s Department has filed 24 criminal charges against the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, and three others over the alleged theft and laundering of more than ₵78 million in public funds.

The accused persons — including The Aludiba Foundation, Energy Partners Limited, and Richard Sam-Asante (who is currently at large) — are facing charges of stealing, money laundering, fraudulently causing financial loss to the Republic, using public office for profit, and intentional dissipation of public funds.

The case, filed at the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra, outlines a systematic embezzlement and diversion scheme allegedly executed between February 2017 and February 2025, during Hanan’s tenure as NAFCO CEO.

According to the charge sheet, Hanan Abdul-Wahab is accused of stealing over ₵50.8 million through fictitious payments made to Sawtina Enterprise, a company owned by NAFCO’s former regional manager, James Tieku-Apawu.

Investigations by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) revealed that 80% of the transactions to Sawtina Enterprise had no legitimate deliveries, and more than ₵50 million was allegedly channeled back to Hanan, his wife, and their associated entities.

EOCO’s findings indicate that Hanan further directed payments to his own companies and those linked to his family:

₵5.49 million to Aludiba Enterprise — his personal business;

₵4.4 million to Alqarni Enterprise — owned by his wife, Faiza Wuni;

₵251,050 to Energy Partners Limited, which he also controls.

None of these companies were approved NAFCO suppliers, and no evidence of legitimate work or deliveries was found to justify the payments.

Between 2020 and 2022, Hanan allegedly transferred ₵13.2 million from NAFCO’s accounts into Fa-Hausa Ventures, a company registered in his wife’s name. Both were signatories to its bank accounts.

Prosecutors say the funds were laundered through real estate and investments in Accra, Tamale, and other locations. Some of the money was also used to finance The Aludiba Foundation, which the A-G describes as a front for laundering proceeds of crime.

EOCO began investigating after receiving intelligence in early 2025 alleging large-scale embezzlement at NAFCO.
Hanan was arrested on June 25, 2025, at his Chain Homes residence in Airport East, Accra. His wife and other associates were also detained in coordinated operations across Accra and Tamale.

The Head of Finance at NAFCO, Richard Sam-Asante, alleged to have co-signed fraudulent cheques and facilitated the diversion of funds, remains on the run.

The Attorney-General’s charge sheet, filed on October 28, 2025, lists the following major offences:

Stealing – Section 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)

Fraudulently causing financial loss to the Republic

Money laundering – Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044)

Using public office for profit – Section 179C of Act 29

Intentional dissipation of public funds – SMCD 140

The prosecution is expected to call multiple witnesses, including EOCO investigators, bank officials, and forensic accountants, to testify when the trial commences.