The Inside Story of the Opuni and Agongo Trial
Accra, Ghana - 28 Jan, 2025 - The Opuni and Agongo trial has been a long-standing and complex case in Ghana, with the two accused facing 27 counts of corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
The case centers around the alleged procurement of substandard fertilizers by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), resulting in financial losses to the state.
Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, the former CEO of COCOBOD, and Seidu Agongo, the CEO of Agricult Ghana Limited, have been accused of engaging in acts that incurred financial losses of GH¢271.3m to the state. The two have pleaded not guilty to all charges and are on self-recognisance bail of GH¢300,000 each.
One of the key developments in the trial was the rejection of a document by the court, which was tendered by Agongo's lawyers as evidence. The document was a report by a committee set up by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) of COCOBOD to investigate the disappearance of a document requested by Agongo's lawyers.
However, the court ruled that the document could not be admitted as evidence because the witness presenting it had no knowledge of its contents.
The trial has also been marked by controversy, with allegations of political interference and bias. In 2023, the trial suffered delays due to changes in the presiding judges and procedural challenges. The case has been described as a "de novo" trial, meaning that it is a new trial that is being heard as if it were the first time, despite previous proceedings.
The Opuni and Agongo trial has significant implications for Ghana's fight against corruption and its efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government. The case has sparked widespread interest and debate, with many Ghanaians calling for greater accountability and justice.
On January 28, 2025, the Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, withdrew all charges against Dr. Opuni and Seidu Agongo, bringing an end to the trial.
The reasons for the withdrawal are not yet clear, but it is likely to spark further debate and controversy in the coming days.
Source: Lead News Online
