The Former Deputy Minister of Youth And Sports, Honourable Pius Enam Hadzide has argued that the protection of citizens’ rights is one of the most important responsibilities of the state. He stated that recent developments surrounding the arrest of the former Buffer stock CEO, Abdul Hanan has raised questions about how state institutions handle the rights of individuals.
The Former Deputy Minister of Information explained that citizens who interact with state authorities deserve fairness and respect throughout legal processes. He noted that the actions of public institutions must always reflect the constitutional freedoms guaranteed to Ghanaians.
“The most important duty of the state is the protection of the rights of citizens. Seeing the state at the forefront of disrespecting those rights is worrying.”
Honourable Pius Enam Hadzide
Honourable Hadzide indicated that the circumstances surrounding the arrest require careful attention because Hanan received court approval to travel for medical reasons.He stated that the court had released the person’s passport and granted permission for a short period outside the jurisdiction
According to him, the individual was expected to return within a specified timeframe and complete the necessary court requirements. He said the manner in which the arrest was carried out after the travel arrangement had been approved by the court created an uncomfortable situation. He argued that citizens must continue to have confidence in the institutions responsible for enforcing the law.
Additionally, Honourable Hadzide referenced Ghana’s democratic journey and previous legal reforms that strengthen individual liberties. He mentioned the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law as one of the steps taken to expand protections for citizens and support responsible expression.
He also noted that Ghana has moved through different periods of governance and legal development, creating expectations for stronger democratic practices. In his view, current actions by state agencies should support the progress achieved over the years.
Furthermore, he pointed to comments from some members of the governing party, including Honourable Haruna Iddrisu and Honourable Muntaka, regarding the operations of security agencies. He explained that such remarks show that discussions about institutional conduct move across political lines.
Arrest Procedures And Bail Conditions of Former CEO
The Former Deputy Minister of Information, Honourable Hadzide questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision to bring back the case of the Former Buffer Stock CEO after previous proceedings ended. He explained that the individual has faced public allegations, appeared before court and later secured legal representation during the initial trial process.
Discussing the development, he stated that the state previously held press briefings where several claims were made against Abdul Hanan. He noted that the case later changed direction after the prosecution decided not to continue with the earlier charges.
He explained that after leaving the court premises, Abdul Hanan was arrested again and new charges were presented. Honourable Hadzide said the changes in the legal process need to be examined to understand the basis for the renewed action.
According to him, the accused cooperated with the legal system and returned before the court when required. He argued that constitutional principles require every person accused of an offence to be treated as innocent until a competent court determines otherwise.
Moreover, he questioned claims surrounding an alleged attempt to withdraw money from a frozen bank account. He explained that if an account has been frozen through a legal process, withdrawing funds from it would not be possible without the restriction being lifted.
He added that the legal team representing Abdul Hanan has argued that there was no attempt to access funds from any frozen account. Honourable Hadzide said the facts of the matter would ultimately be determined through evidence presented before the court.
Additionally, he referred to explanations from the defence team led by former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame. He indicated that lawyers for the accused have disputed the claims surrounding the alleged financial transaction.
He stated that legal issues such as intention and action must both be examined when criminal allegations are considered. He explained that proving an intention to commit an offence and proving that an offence occurred are separate elements that require judicial assessment.
Honourable Hadzide also highlighted the importance of allowing legal representatives and families access to persons in custody under lawful conditions. He added that justice systems gain public confidence when procedures are applied fairly and transparently.
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