The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Gloria Akuffo says former Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr, Stephen Opuni will be furnished with all documents for prosecution in his trial as requested by Defense Lawyers.
The Legal team of embattled former Chief executive officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Stephen Opuni 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.
Speaking after a meeting with the Regional Minister in Cape Coast, Madam Akuffo said the accused request will be granted in the interest of justice.
“We’re prepared to give them; we’ve nothing to hide. After all we believe in the right of the individual to defend himself particularly when it’s against the principles that they’re presumed to be innocent.”
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.
They’ve been granted self recognizance bail in the sum of GHc300, 000 each.
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.
