The prosecution in the COCOBOD case has dropped all charges against Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, former CEO of Ghana Cocoa Board, and businessman Seidu Agongo. The duo faced 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretenses, willfully causing financial loss to the state, and corruption by public officers.

Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opun

In a surprising turn of events, State Attorney Enam Mensah informed the High Court on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, that the Attorney General had directed the prosecution to withdraw the charges. The prosecution subsequently filed a notice of withdrawal, citing Section 59 Act 30.

The case, which began in 2018, centered on allegations that Opuni and Agongo caused a financial loss of over GH¢271 million to the state through a series of Lithovit foliar fertilizer transactions. However, the prosecution’s decision to drop the charges brings an end to the lengthy and complex trial.

It’s worth noting that the case had its share of controversies, including allegations of withheld evidence and bias. In February 2024, a subpoenaed witness revealed that a crucial test result from the Ghana Standards Authority, which confirmed Lithovit as a fertilizer, was not presented in court.

Source:Phalonz