Sam Pyne says former Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Stephen Opuni, should count himself lucky not to have been crucified or stoned to death, considering the number of corruption charges leveled against him.

Speaking on Adom TV on Friday, the Ashanti Regional Secretary insisted members of the NDC should exert their energies on putting together a competent legal team, capable of mounting a sound legal defense, instead of accusing government of witch hunt.

“Stephen Opuni should count himself lucky he has not been stoned, made to chew chili or even crucified over the many counts of corrupt deals he has been involved in, but has met a civil government which has taken him to court to answer for his misdeeds,” he stressed.

The state on Monday filed a case of causing financial loss against Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni, a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

Charged along with Dr Opuni is one Seidu Agongo and Agricult Ghana Limited.

A total of 27 charges have been leveled against them, according to report.

The charges are on abetment of crime and defrauding by false pretence, willfully causing financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act, manufacturing fertilizer without registration, money laundering and corruption by public officer.

The case being handled by a Chief State Attorney, Evelyn D. Keelson for the Attorney General is set to be called on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Accra High Court.

Sam Pyne adds that the NDC is just making “useless noises” to win public sympathy for the embattled former COCOBOD boss.

Consequently, he urged the NDC to be measured in their criticisms and allow Dr Opuni to go through the processes for the court to determine his innocence or otherwise.