Attorney-General Defends Dropping Charges Against Opuni and Agongo
Attorney-General Defends Dropping Charges Against Opuni and Agongo
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has defended his decision to withdraw charges against former COCOBOD CEO Dr. Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo, asserting that the case lacked merit.
Speaking at a press conference on February 12, 2025, Dr. Ayine argued that Lithovit liquid fertilizer—central to the financial loss case—had been proven effective, citing COCOBOD field assessments and farmer testimonies that confirmed increased crop yields.
He outlined three main reasons for the case’s dismissal: ethical concerns, defective charges, and significant doubts about the alleged misconduct. Additionally, he highlighted inconsistencies in scientific tests conducted by the Ghana Standards Authority and accused prosecution witness Dr. Yaw Adu Ampomah of perjury.
Dr. Ayine also criticized the judicial process, pointing to the removal of exculpatory evidence and questionable judicial promotions. He assured the public that his decision was driven by legal integrity and fairness, dismissing allegations of political interference from President John Mahama.
Beyond the Opuni-Agongo case, the Attorney-General addressed other high-profile prosecutions, including cases involving Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama, emphasizing that his legal decisions were based on justice, not external pressure.
