Witnesses Transform the Landscape of the COCOBOD Case
In the latest development of the COCOBOD criminal trial, Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, the former CEO of COCOBOD, has chosen not to take the stand, effectively concluding his defense on Monday, February 12, 2024. This decision pivots the spotlight onto Alhaji Seidu Agongo, the businessman and CEO of Agricult Ghana Limited, preparing him to present his counter-arguments against the charges brought by the Akufo-Addo administration.
Dr. Opuni’s lawyer, Samuel Codjo, expressed that his client’s decision was influenced by the compelling testimonies provided by his 11 witnesses, which he believes sufficiently defended his case.
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On the other hand, Agongo is set to bring forward an impressive lineup of 30 witnesses starting Thursday, February 15, 2024, to bolster his plea of innocence.
The charges faced by Dr. Opuni, Agongo, and Agricult Ghana Ltd include a series of serious allegations such as abetment of crime, defrauding by false pretense, breaches of the Public Procurement Act, causing financial loss to the state, and manufacturing unregistered fertilizer. All accused have maintained their innocence and are out on bail.
Significantly, Agongo and his company have been cleared of additional accusations related to money laundering. His defense plans to feature testimonies from notable figures, including experts from the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and the Ghana Standards Authority, aiming to substantiate his defense.
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The defense presented by Dr. Opuni’s team has been lauded for effectively challenging the prosecution’s case, particularly highlighting the benefits of Lithovit Foliar Fertilizer, which was at the heart of the allegations. Witnesses, including cocoa farmers and experts, have praised the product’s impact, directly contesting the prosecution’s claims.
This trial, which commenced in March 2018, has been fraught with legal twists, including changes in judges and procedural delays. However, it took a significant turn when, despite the prosecution’s efforts to undermine the credibility of Lithovit Fertilizer, none of the state’s witnesses could refute the positive testimonials about the product offered by the defense’s witnesses.
The defense’s strategy included testimonies from a range of individuals, from cocoa farmers benefiting from Lithovit to former COCOBOD officials and experts, all reinforcing the product’s efficacy and the integrity of its procurement and approval processes.
As the trial progresses under Justice Aboagye Tandoh, the anticipation for its resolution grows, with the defense’s evidence casting substantial doubt on the prosecution’s accusations. The case’s complexities are underscored by the political implications and the initial involvement of high-level government officials, setting the stage for a highly scrutinized conclusion.
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