During the trial involving Dr Stephen Opuni, former Chief Executive of COCOBOD, and Mr Seidu Agongo, a Businessman, Dr Francis Baah, former Executive Director of Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) of COCOBOD, provided significant testimony. Dr Baah revealed that during his tenure, some staff appointments were terminated due to their unethical behaviour of taking money from farmers.
The terminations were conducted because these staff members were found to be taking money from farmers in the performance of their duties, Dr Baah stated. He emphasized that he had never received any complaints regarding the quality of lithovit fertilizer resembling water and being consumed by farmers.
Dr. Baah clarified that all input distributions should be properly documented, not just fertilizers. He explained that the distribution of fertilizers and other inputs was based on the actual quantity allocated or distributed by CODAPEC for the 2014/15 crop season, as documented during field visits as part of the monitoring and evaluation process.
Regarding a specific field trip related to lithovit fertilizer, Dr Baah stated that he was not part of the team that conducted the trip but expressed surprise at the notion that the trip was intended to favour lithovit fertilizer. He asserted that neither he nor any member of his team was directed to generate a report favouring lithovit fertilizer.
The case was adjourned to Wednesday, March 20, 2024, for further proceedings.