Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has justified his decision to withdraw charges against former COCOBOD CEO Dr. Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo, arguing that the prosecution lacked merit.
At a press conference on February 12, 2025, Dr. Ayine emphasized that Lithovit liquid fertilizer, the subject of the financial loss case, had been proven effective.
He cited multiple reports, including COCOBOD field assessments and farmer testimonies, which confirmed increased crop yields.
Providing three key reasons for the case withdrawal, he highlighted ethical concerns, defective charges, and overwhelming doubt about the alleged wrongdoing.
He also pointed to inconsistencies in scientific tests conducted by the Ghana Standards Authority and alleged perjury by prosecution witness Dr. Yaw Adu Ampomah.
Dr. Ayine further criticized the judicial handling of the case, citing expunged exculpatory evidence and questionable judicial promotions.
He reassured the public that his decision was based on legal integrity and fairness, rejecting claims of political influence from President John Mahama.
The Attorney-General also addressed other high-profile cases, including those involving Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama, maintaining that his prosecutorial choices were guided by justice rather than external pressure.
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