NPP witch-hunting Stephen Opuni with 27 charges - Ashanti NDC
The Ashanti regional branch of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused government of embarking on a witch-hunt in relation to the 27 charges levelled against former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni.
The state on Tuesday filed a case of causing financial loss against Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni, who is charged together with Seidu Agongo and Agricult Ghana Limited.
The 27 charges levelled against them, according to Graphic Online court correspondents, include abetment of crime and defrauding by false pretences, willfully causing financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act, manufacturing fertilizer without registration, money laundering and corruption by a public officer.
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The case is set to be called on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Accra High Court.
NDC Ashanti statement
In a statement signed and issued by Raymond Tandoh, Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, the party said it was not happy about the development.
“Stephen Opuni is a victim of a growing political culture of hounding predecessors to justify campaign claims of corruption,” the party said.
Read also: NPP using Stephen Opuni to divert attention from BOST corruption - Sam George
Below is a copy of the statement:
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS
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ASHANTI REGIONAL CHAPTER
PRESS RELEASE
MARCH 14, 2018
We have taken note of the commencement of persecution of Dr. Stephen Opuni and others by government. We have learnt some 27 charges have been preferred against him and would be called on Friday March 23, 2018 at the High Court.
While we are not surprised by this development, we are appalled by the exceptional determination of government to destroy the reputation of a man who has laboured to transform the cocoa sector in Ghana. We believe Dr. Stephen Opuni is a victim of a growing political culture of hounding predecessors to justify campaign claims of corruption.
It is worrying that at a time corruption allegations are rife in every sector of this government, government finds no need to deal with these allegations that are destroying its public integrity and credibility. Sadly, government has resorted to political witch hunting, vindictiveness and mirage pursuits that would not survive any serious test.
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We are confident Dr. Stephen Opuni will be exonerated eventually knowing his meticulousness and genuine commitment to the development of Ghana.
The Ashanti Regional Chapter of the NDC hereby declares its unflinching support for Dr. Stephen Opuni and his family in these difficult times of political persecution. We trust in the independence and wisdom of our courts and are hopeful that the outcome of proceedings would be without political interference.
…...…Signed……..
Raymond Tandoh
(Regional Secretary)
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Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh