Ashanti regional branch of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has blamed government on embarking on a witch-hunt in relation to some 27 charges that has been levelled against former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana COCOBOD, Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni.

The case is set to be called on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Accra High Court.

However, the NDC is not happy about the development and the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, Raymond Tandoh, has pointed out in a press statement that : “Stephen Opuni is a victim of a growing political culture of hounding predecessors to justify campaign claims of corruption”.

The statement added that: “Sadly, government has resorted to political witch hunting, vindictiveness and mirage pursuits that would not survive any serious test”.

Below is the full statement:

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS

ASHANTI REGIONAL CHAPTER

PRESS RELEASE

MARCH 14, 2018

We have taken note of the commencement of persecution of Dr. Stephen Opuni and others by government. We have learnt some 27 charges have been preferred against him and would be called on Friday March 23, 2018 at the High Court.

While we are not surprised by this development, we are appalled by the exceptional determination of government to destroy the reputation of a man who has laboured to transform the cocoa sector in Ghana. We believe Dr. Stephen Opuni is a victim of a growing political culture of hounding predecessors to justify campaign claims of corruption.

It is worrying that at a time corruption allegations are rife in every sector of this government, government finds no need to deal with these allegations that are destroying its public integrity and credibility. Sadly, government has resorted to political witch hunting, vindictiveness and mirage pursuits that would not survive any serious test.

We are confident Dr. Stephen Opuni will be exonerated eventually knowing his meticulousness and genuine commitment to the development of Ghana.

The Ashanti Regional Chapter of the NDC hereby declares its unflinching support for Dr. Stephen Opuni and his family in these difficult times of political persecution. We trust in the independence and wisdom of our courts and are hopeful that the outcome of proceedings would be without political interference.

…...…Signed……..
Raymond Tandoh
(Regional Secretary)