Dr. Stephen Opuni, the former CEO of Ghana’s Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), and two other defendants are on trial, and a newly appointed judge has rejected the prosecution’s motion to adopt Judge Clemence Honyenuga’s prior decisions.
A case that is “saddled” with several claims, according to Judge Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, who preside over Land Court ‘2’ of the Accra High Court, would be unjust for him to adopt.
Last Thursday, March 30, 2023, the prosecution—led by Ms. Evelyn Keelson, a Chief State Attorney—moved a motion asking the court to accept the earlier proceedings so that the trial may continue.
However, the defense team, led by Samuel Codjoe and Benson Nutsukpui (the first and second accused, respectively), vigorously contested the prosecution’s proposal and asked the court to reopen the case (afresh).
On Tuesday, April 4, Judge Anokye Gyimah issued a decision on the motion, stating that it would be “unfair” for the court to disregard the claims and uphold the previous procedures as they were.
He declared that the trial would begin “De Novo” so that the court would have firsthand knowledge of the proceedings and the conduct of the witnesses.
