Akufo-Addo’s corruption trials begin as ex-COCOBOD CEO faces 27 counts

The State has 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 a total of 27 charges have been levelled against them. The case is set to be called on Friday, March 23, 2018, at the High Court.

In February 2017, the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) froze the assets of Dr Opuni as part of investigations into his period as CEO of COCOBOD.

Subsequently, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Ms Gloria Akuffo, has charged Dr Opuni with causing financial loss to the State.

Assets frozen

Dr Opuni had his assets, including his accounts, frozen by the EOCO in February 2017.

Although reasons for the freeze were not officially communicated, sources revealed that EOCO sought to investigate the entire period that Dr Opuni served as CEO of that critical State agency.

Specifically, the government intends to find answers to some supposed alleged fraudulent multi-million dollar contracts he’s believed to have signed before leaving office.

Dr Opuni’s tenure was engrossed in several allegations of corruption and mismanagement of the cocoa sector, with his critics accusing him of running down the critical sector; which generates revenue for the country and employs millions of Ghanaians.

Dr Opuni was on January 12, 2017, barely a week after the New Patriotic Party government was inaugurated, asked to leave office.