My prosecution was a witch-hunt - Dr Opuni

Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, a former CEO of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), claims his trial is a political witch-hunt.

He alleges that the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, changed judges via text messages. He believes this shows clear political motives against him.

Dr. Opuni spoke to journalists after a thanksgiving service at Babianeha Presbyterian Church in the Bono Region on Sunday. He organized the service to thank God for saving him from enemies who tried to jail him unjustly.

He was on trial but was freed on January 28, 2025, when the Attorney-General withdrew all charges against him. Dr. Opuni faced accusations of causing over GH¢271 million in financial loss to the state through fertilizer deals.

He feels that God put him in this situation to test his faith. The trial brought him closer to God, he explained.

Dr. Opuni stated that under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he endured an orchestrated and baseless trial for nearly eight years. His trial began in January 2017 and aimed to tarnish his reputation.

He firmly believes he will be exonerated because he did not commit any crimes. "I was not frustrated or worried," he said, "because I knew I did nothing wrong."

Despite challenges, Dr. Opuni does not regret serving his country. During this time, he challenged God to fight for him against those trying to imprison him without cause.

He feels God answered his prayers after eight long years and wanted to express gratitude. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) searched his homes multiple times but found no evidence against him.

After six months of searches, EOCO concluded they had no case against him; however, the government continued its pursuit in court. Dr. Opuni believed from the start that there was no legal basis for the government's case.

He thanked his lawyer Samuel Cudjoe and family members for their support throughout these years.

Regarding corporate social responsibility, Dr. Opuni continued supporting education during his trial by helping individuals pursue higher education and building educational facilities in Babianeha and nearby communities.