Lawyer Group Calls Change in Opuni Trial Panel Unreasonable

A group of lawyers calling themselves Lawyers in Search of Democracy (LINSOD) has raised concerns about the sudden change in the panel hearing the case of the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Stephen Opuni.

According to them, the action by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo is “unreasonable, and not in the best interest of justice”.

In a press statement, they mulled over the implications the controversial decision would have on the citizens’ trust in the justice system and thus urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.

“We think there is plenty of time for the Supreme Court to reconsider the decision to change the original panel in the appeal. We are aware that the Court has already given a date for judgment, but we believe that if it shall bring fairness and greater justice to all without question, the Court must nevertheless recall the case and reinstate the original panel to continue the trial to end.

“It is our hope that the Court shall respectfully give the due attention to our concern and act in a manner that shall encourage us to provide more feedback to it in the advancement of true rule of law and democracy in Ghana.”

Opuni and Seidu Agongo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Agricult Ghana Limited are standing trial for 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing GH¢271 million financial loss to the state, money laundering and corruption by a public officer in contravention of the Public Procurement Act.

Read LISOD’s full statement here: LINSON ON OPUNI TRIAL_1