The trial of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, has been adjourned to September 29 and 30 after his lead counsel, Godfred Yeboah Dame, submitted a medical excuse to the court.
The medical excuse was submitted through Mr Abdul-Wahab during the latest sitting of the Accra High Court.
The development follows concerns raised at an earlier hearing over the absence of Mr Dame, who is representing the former NAFCO boss in the case.
At the August 12 hearing, Mr Abdul-Wahab told the court that his lawyer was unwell and had been in and out of hospital.
The prosecution, however, questioned the explanation, arguing that no medical documentation had been presented to support the claim.
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The court subsequently adjourned the case to allow counsel to appear and address issues surrounding a pending application for a stay of proceedings.
At the latest sitting, the submission of the medical excuse by Mr Dame through his client paved the way for another adjournment.
Mr Abdul-Wahab and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, are standing trial over alleged offences arising from their dealings with NAFCO.
The charges include stealing, defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abuse or use of public office for profit, dishonestly receiving and money laundering.
The alleged amount involved has previously been put at about GH¢78 million.
Both accused persons have denied the charges.
The case has been marked by a series of legal developments since proceedings began.
In July, the High Court dismissed an application filed by Mr Dame seeking to strike out the entire charge sheet against his client. The court, however, directed the prosecution to amend two counts relating to defrauding by false pretences.
Mr Abdul-Wahab has also informed the court that the defence had filed an application for a stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal as it challenges aspects of the prosecution’s case and the ongoing trial.
The case is now expected to resume on September 29 and 30.
