Stephen Opuni: My prosecution was unjust, I was innocent

Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, former CEO of COCOBOD, claims he was unjustly persecuted by the Akufo-Addo administration. This follows the withdrawal of all charges against him in a corruption case. After a Thanksgiving service on April 20, he spoke to journalists about his innocence. He described the trial as politically motivated.

"I want to tell the world that God has delivered me," he said. "I was prosecuted for eight years and kept praying. I knew I was innocent."

On January 28, 2025, an Accra High Court announced the Attorney-General's decision to withdraw all charges against Dr. Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo. State Attorney Enam Loh Mensah informed the court of this instruction.

Dr. Opuni and Mr. Agongo faced 27 charges, including fraud and corruption. The case began in 2018 and involved Lithovit Liquid Fertilizer from Agongo’s company, Agricult Ghana Limited. Prosecutors claimed the fertilizer was substandard and unapproved.

They alleged Dr. Opuni bypassed procurement protocols, causing financial loss to the state and harming cocoa farmers. Both men pleaded not guilty throughout the trial and maintained their innocence.

The trial became one of Ghana’s most high-profile legal battles with many witnesses involved. It included scientists, government officials, and cocoa farmers but faced delays and procedural disputes.

Critics argued that the trial lacked impartiality and aimed to damage reputations rather than seek justice. In 2023, significant delays frustrated both the accused and the public.

Legal analysts questioned whether there was enough evidence for a conviction. The State Attorney did not provide reasons for dropping the charges against Dr. Opuni and Mr. Agongo.