Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has characterized his nearly eight-year trial at the Accra High Court as a politically motivated attack.
He cited the actions of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkonoo, who altered and reassigned judges overseeing his case via text messages, as indicative of political meddling.
Dr. Opuni made these statements while speaking to reporters following a Thanksgiving Service at the Babianeha Presbyterian Church of Ghana in the Dormaa Municipality, located in the Bono Region, on Sunday.
The trial commenced in March 2017 and included 27 charges, such as abetment of crime, defrauding by false pretense, and willfully causing financial loss to the state.
Although Dr. Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo were previously acquitted of money laundering charges, both individuals consistently asserted their innocence throughout the proceedings.
In January 2025, the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, dismissed all charges against Dr. Opuni, Mr. Agongo, and Agricult Ghana Limited.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Dr. Opuni described the trial as a test of his faith in God, noting that the experience ultimately strengthened his spiritual beliefs. “I was neither frustrated nor anxious because I was confident that I had done nothing wrong to warrant imprisonment,” he stated.
He expressed his gratitude to God for the resolution of his situation after eight years, emphasizing the importance of publicly acknowledging his thanks.
Dr. Opuni recounted multiple investigations conducted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at his residences in Accra, Kumasi, and Babianeha, which yielded no criminal evidence. Nevertheless, the government persisted in pursuing the case in court for several months.
“I was aware from the outset that the government lacked a solid case,” Dr. Opuni remarked, adding that while he is not a legal expert, he recognized the case’s lack of merit.
He also expressed his appreciation for his lawyer, Samuel Cudjoe, and his family, particularly his wife, for their steadfast support during this difficult time.
Dr. Opuni also contemplated his time at COCOBOD, expressing assurance that his leadership brought significant transformation to both the cocoa industry and the board. He contrasted his accomplishments with the results from the previous administration under Akufo-Addo, highlighting the favorable developments that occurred during his leadership.
