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COCOBOD Trial: Honyenuga shocked over Opuni’s witness sickness
The trial Judge presiding over the case of Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni and two others has expressed surprise at “sick” Opuni witness who “looks energetic two days ago” in court.
Samuel Torbi, a farmer at Assin Fosu, last Monday, May 16, gave his Evidence-in-Chief as the Second Defense Witness (DW2) for Dr. Opuni, the former Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD and was expected to face further cross-examination from the prosecution.
In court on Wednesday, when the case was called, Samuel Torbi, was reported sick and has been admitted at the Emergency Ward at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge).
“My Lord, my witness, Samuel Torbi DW2, who is in the box was expected to be in court to continue with the cross-examination by the prosecution,” Samuel Codjoe lead counsel for Opuni stated.
He added that, “Yesterday (Tuesday, May 16) evening, he (witness) sent through another person to bring an envelope containing a Ridge Hospital excuse duty form indicating that he is presently on admission at the Emergency Ward of the hospital.”
“I called him this morning (Wednesday) after I opened and read the content of the envelope which was addressed to me and he confirmed that presently, he is at the hospital and on admission at the said Emergency Ward.
“And he (witness) also informed me that, the doctors are saying that, they want to conduct further test on him and that they have assured him that after they finished this test, he will be released at the weekend.
“My Lord, I asked that, he get a medical report and send same to me so that I can show it to the court. But he informed me that the doctors say they don’t give patients medical records to the court unless the court request by a court order.
“I informed my learned friends at the bar this morning of this development and gave them photocopies of the Ridge Hospital excuse duties indicating that he is on admission,” counsel indicated to the court.
“In fact, he informed me what he is suffering from but I cannot disclose his ailment in open court because of confidentiality but I can inform the court in chambers. My Lord, this explains why he is not here today,” counsel concluded.
Counsel representing Seidu Agongo and Agricult Ghana Limited (A2 and A3) said, “We sighted the excuse duty from Ridge and have no reservations.”
Prosecution express surprise
Prosecution led by Mrs. Evelyn Keelson, a Chief State Attorney, for her part, expressed surprise at the sudden turn of events.
“My Lord, I was shown a copy of the excused duty of the witness Samuel Torbi by my learned friend this morning. Indeed my lord, I expressed my surprise at the sudden turn of events since the witness appeared to be in very good health just a couple of days ago.
“My Lord, I also asked my learned friend why the excuse duty does not indicate the ailment the witness is suffering from and he told me of issues of confidentiality.
“My Lord, we were ready to proceed with our cross-examination this morning but unfortunately the witness is not available,” the Chief State Attorney remarked.
By court
Justice Clemence Honyenuga, the trail judge after listening to the parties also expressed suprise at the turn of events.
“I am equally suprise at the turn of events because the witness looks very energetic and did not look like anybody who could fall sick within two days. We were here on Monday.
“It seems witnesses for the first accused always fall sick during cross-examination. I remember, we had to adjourned this case for two weeks when DW1 was in the box. I am again equally suprise at the excuse duty form that no ailment has been stated on it. Before the court, nothing is hidden in terms of ailments or otherwise.
“This (Criminal) case has been going on for a whole four years without ending so it is very very unfortunate that, DW2 has to suffer the same fate as DW1,” the court.
The case was under the circumstances, adjourned to Monday, May 23.
Source: starrfm.com.gh
The spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the implementation of the NDC government’s No Fee Stress policy, arguing that the programme has failed to deliver on its core promise.
According to him on Starr fm, the policy, which was introduced to ensure stress free payment of fees for level 100 tertiary students, has rather turned into what he described as post stress support.
He explained that students are required to pay their fees first before applying for reimbursement, a situation he believes defeats the purpose of the policy.
He questioned claims by government officials that the policy has been successful and that citizens are happy.
In his view, such claims do not reflect the lived realities of many Ghanaians. He stressed that while some people may appear satisfied, many others continue to struggle.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye pointed to the situation of trained teachers and nurses who have been picketing for nearly six months, demanding employment.
He noted that government responses suggesting it cannot accommodate all of them contradict claims of economic stability.
He further argued that economic indicators such as a stable currency mean little to people who are unable to secure jobs or access promised support.
He observed that telling an unemployed teacher or a struggling student that the cedi has strengthened does not address their immediate challenges.
On the issue of tertiary education, he maintained that no level 100 student benefited from stress free fees in 2025, despite the policy being announced.
He added that in 2026, students have already reported to school without receiving the promised support.
He insisted that asking students to pay fees first and seek reimbursement later amounts to support after hardship, not stress free education.
According to him, this approach goes against what was promised during the policy announcement.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye questioned why a government that presents the economy as strong is unable to fulfil what he described as simple and clear promises.
He added that there is a fundamental problem with the way the economy is being managed and indicated that he is prepared to explain his position further.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Dancehall musician Shatta Wale has issued a strong public statement calling for an end to what he describes as continuous attacks on his brand, following an apology from media commentator Awal Mohammed.
In the statement, Shatta Wale acknowledged the apology but stressed that persistent criticism and what he sees as deliberate attempts to damage his image must stop.
He noted that for many years, he has spoken for the streets, the youth, and people who feel ignored by society, while also promoting Ghana on the global stage and creating jobs through his work.
He expressed concern that some media personalities, commentators, and influential figures continue to target his name unfairly.
According to him, the issue goes beyond music and touches on respect, fairness, and national maturity.
The musician warned that continued disrespect toward voices that represent ordinary people could have wider consequences.
He emphasised that the Shatta Movement remains strong and organized, and that the patience of the masses should not be taken for granted.
He added that if systems continue to fail the people, they have the ability to organize politically through numbers and truth, not violence or hate.
Shatta Wale clarified that his message was not a threat but a reminder of reality, stressing that attacking a symbol that represents millions of people can have social, cultural, and democratic effects.
He called for respect, fairness, and unity, saying the voice of the people will always rise.
The statement comes after Awal Mohammed recently described Shatta Wale fans during a public discussion as junkies.
The comments triggered backlash from fans of the musician, prompting Awal to later issue an apology.
By: Jacob Aggrey
