General News of Monday, 9 April 2018

Source: kasapafmonline.com

Opuni trial: Lawyers file motion for release of prosecution documents

Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, former COCOBOD CEO Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, former COCOBOD CEO

The Legal team of embattled former Chief executive officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Stephen Opuni have filed a motion at the High court seeking to compel the Attorney General to provide all prosecution documents it seeks to rely on during the trial of their client.

Defense Lawyers in the writ prayed the court for an order to compel the AG to make available all the documents which are in their custody. They contended the release of such documents is a right their client is entitled to in order to be able to mount a strong defense in court.

“I am entitled as of right to all facilities which the prosecution intends to use at the trial. This is to enable myself and my Counsel prepare for the trial.”

“…I have been further advised by Counsel and verily believe same to be true that on a true and proper interpretation of Article 19(2) (e) and (g) of the 1992 Constitution, I am entitled as of right to copies of all including the contracts and numerous letters referred to by the Prosecution,” portions of the motion read.

Dr. Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo who have been charged for causing financial loss to the state have been granted self recognizance bail in the sum of GHc300, 000 each.



They are each to deposit their passport to the Director General of the CID and also report to him anytime they want to travel.

The DG of the CID is also to report to the registrar of the court 48 hours before any activity.

Dr Opuni together with a businessman, Seidu Agongo, owner of Zeera Group of companies are facing 27 charges of willfully causing financial loss to the state to the tune of GH¢217million in three separate contracts for the supply of fertilisers from Germany.



Dr Opuni and Mr Agongo, the Managing Director of Agricult on their first appearance in court on Monday, March 26, 2018, pleaded not guilty to all 27 charges.