The trial of Dr. Stephen Opuni and Seidu Agongo, who are facing charges related to corruption, has hit a snag as the Attorney General’s office struggles to locate crucial witnesses. As a result, the prosecution has requested an extension of time to secure the presence of these key individuals.
Dr. Stephen Opuni, former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), and Seidu Agongo, CEO of Agricult Ghana Limited, are currently on trial for their alleged involvement in a fertilizer subsidy scandal amounting to millions of cedis. The case has garnered significant public attention, as it involves accusations of corruption within a vital sector of the country’s economy.
However, during the trial proceedings, the Attorney General’s office faced an unexpected setback when they were unable to locate certain witnesses who are crucial to the case. The prosecution team expressed their inability to proceed without the presence of these individuals, citing their indispensable testimonies as vital to building a strong case against the accused.
Consequently, the Attorney General’s office has appealed to the court for an extension of time to enable them to locate and secure the attendance of the missing witnesses. The prosecution emphasized the significance of their testimonies in establishing the facts surrounding the alleged corrupt practices and ensuring a fair and just trial.
“My lord, unfortunately, we have still not been able to file our witness statements …The situation has not changed. My Lord, we have still not been able to locate our witnesses. So we pray the court to give us more time,” Mrs. Evelyn Keelson, Chief State Attorney told the court on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The defense team, led by prominent legal experts, expressed their concern over the delay and urged the court to carefully consider the request for an extension. They argued that the defendants’ right to a timely trial should not be compromised, emphasizing the importance of a swift resolution for all parties involved.
The presiding judge acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured both the prosecution and defense that the court would carefully evaluate the request for an extension.
As the trial enters this critical phase, the public eagerly awaits the court’s decision on the request for additional time. The outcome will significantly impact the trajectory of the case and determine the path forward for the prosecution and defense.
The Opuni-Agongo trial serves as a reminder of the importance of a robust and efficient legal system in combating corruption and upholding the rule of law. Ghanaians are keenly watching as this high-profile case unfolds, hoping for a fair and transparent resolution that restores trust in the country’s institutions.
