The NAFCO Scandal
Last Updated:
April 21, 2026 at 10:44:30 PM
Case Summary
The National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) is a state-owned enterprise mandated to procure, store, and distribute food commodities to stabilise prices and safeguard national food security. Because of this role, NAFCO routinely manages large public disbursements and is required to operate under public procurement regulations, financial controls, and accountability standards.
Between 2017 and 2024, during the tenure of Chief Executive Officer Hanan Abdul-Wahab, NAFCO handled substantial public funds earmarked for the purchase and supply of food to senior high schools nationwide. After the change of government in 2025, the Office of the Attorney-General ordered an investigation into the operations of NAFCO. The investigation, conducted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), uncovered extensive financial irregularities within the company during this period. According to the state, these irregularities formed part of a coordinated scheme involving the diversion and laundering of public funds through private companies linked to senior officials, their spouses, and close associates.
Major Timelines and Case Updates
June 25, 2025
EOCO carried out a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of Hanan Abdul-Wahab, his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, and the Northern Sector Manager of NAFCO, James Atieku. They were arrested for multiple criminal charges, including stealing, conspiracy to steal, willfully causing financial loss to the state, using public office for profit, obtaining public property by false statements, and money laundering.
October 2025
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, disclosed that Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, allegedly embezzled about GH¢78.2 million from state coffers.
The accused persons were arraigned before the High Court. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail under stringent conditions.
January 2026
The Attorney-General’s Department indicated that the case was ready to proceed to substantive trial, with hearings expected to commence after completion of pre-trial formalities.
The National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) is a state-owned enterprise mandated to procure, store, and distribute food commodities to stabilise prices and safeguard national food security. Because of this role, NAFCO routinely manages large public disbursements and is required to operate under public procurement regulations, financial controls, and accountability standards.
The National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) is a state-owned enterprise mandated to procure, store, and distribute food commodities to stabilise prices and safeguard national food security. Because of this role, NAFCO routinely manages large public disbursements and is required to operate under public procurement regulations, financial controls, and accountability standards.
The National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) is a state-owned enterprise mandated to procure, store, and distribute food commodities to stabilise prices and safeguard national food security. Because of this role, NAFCO routinely manages large public disbursements and is required to operate under public procurement regulations, financial controls, and accountability standards.
The National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) is a state-owned enterprise mandated to procure, store, and distribute food commodities to stabilise prices and safeguard national food security. Because of this role, NAFCO routinely manages large public disbursements and is required to operate under public procurement regulations, financial controls, and accountability standards.
The National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) is a state-owned enterprise mandated to procure, store, and distribute food commodities to stabilise prices and safeguard national food security. Because of this role, NAFCO routinely manages large public disbursements and is required to operate under public procurement regulations, financial controls, and accountability standards.