‘I never stopped praying because I knew I was innocent’ — Dr. Opuni on his 8-year trial

Former COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni has spoken out. This is his first statement since the state dropped all charges against him. He described the eight-year trial as politically motivated.

Dr. Opuni spoke at a Thanksgiving service on April 20. He declared his innocence and said political opponents tried to destroy him. “I want the world to know that God has delivered me,” he stated.

“For eight years, I was prosecuted,” he continued. “I never stopped praying because I knew I was innocent.”

On January 28, 2025, an Accra High Court confirmed the withdrawal of all charges against Dr. Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo. Attorney-General Dominic Ayine directed this decision.

The two faced 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretence and corruption. These charges related to Lithovit Liquid Fertilizer, which prosecutors claimed was substandard. Dr. Opuni was accused of bypassing procurement protocols for a deal with Agricult Ghana Limited.

Both men denied the accusations throughout the trial and were granted bail of GH₵300,000 each.

The trial began in 2018 and became one of the most closely watched cases in Ghana's history. It featured expert witnesses and government officials but faced delays due to procedural issues.

Critics have questioned the prosecution's basis, viewing it as political retribution rather than justice. The Attorney-General’s office has not commented on why they discontinued the trial.