Why New Trial Judge Of Dr.Opuni & Seidu Agongo’s Case Wants To Afresh After 6yrs Of Proceedings

Why New Trial Judge Of Dr.Opuni & Seidu Agongo’s Case Wants To Afresh After 6yrs Of Proceedings

To the shock of many Ghanaians, the new trial Judge presiding over the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni, and businessman Seidu Agongo’s case on Tuesday ruled that the case must restart from the scratch.

The case which was initially handled by retired Justice Clemence Honyenuga has been handed to Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah.

Ruling on the case on Tuesday, Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah noted that the case which started as far back as 2017 must start afresh from the scratch.

Justifying the need for resetting the trial, the judge explained that it will be unfair on his part to adopt and continue with a proceeding that he describes as “saddled” with numerous allegations.

“It would be unfair for the court to ignore the allegations and adopt the previous proceedings as it is. In order for the court to have first-hand information of the trial and the demeanor of witnesses, the court will start the trial ‘De Novo’,” the new judge said.

The judged further justified that the accused persons are entitled to fairness and hence cannot be presumed guilty.

In view of the ruling, Justice Gyimah directed that the parties file their witnesses either before or on April 21, 2023. The case has been adjourned to April 25, 2023, for Case Management Conference.

The decision of the court on Tuesday was a result of a motion moved by the Chief State Attorney, Evelyn Keelson who on Thursday, March 30, 2023, that the court adopt the previous proceedings to enable the trial to move on.

However, lawyers for the accused persons opposed the motion and pleaded that the court start the trial “De Novo.”

 

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