The Court of Appeal has announced that it will deliver a judgement on July 3, 2023, regarding the Attorney General's appeal to start afresh the trial of Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni, former Chief Executive of COCOBOD, and businessman Seidu Agongo.
The decision was made by a panel of judges, including Justice Philip Bright Mensah, Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaah, and Justice Jennifer Dadzie.
The Court dismissed a request from the lawyers of Dr Opuni and Mr Agongo to refer the document back to the High Court for the full records.
The Court clarified that the ruling of the High Court, the submissions of counsel, and the charge sheet were the relevant documents required for the appeal.
The Attorney General has been directed to file its written submissions by June 16, and the lawyers of Dr Opuni and Mr Agongo have been given a week after June 16, 2023, to file their written submissions.
The appeal was filed by the Attorney General against the ruling of Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, who took over the case after the retirement of Justice Clemence Hornyenugah.
Justice Gyimah ruled that the trial should start afresh, while the State had requested the adoption of the proceedings from the previous judge.
Lawyers of the accused argued that the records before the Court for the appeal were incomplete and requested a proper appreciation of the case before making a determination.
The prosecution opposed the request, stating that all necessary materials for the appeal had been filed.
Dr Opuni and Mr Agongo face multiple charges, including defrauding by false pretences, causing financial loss to the State, money laundering, and corruption. Both individuals have pleaded not guilty and are currently on bail.
