Busloads of supporters arrived at the Accra High court Monday, where former COCOBOD CEO, Dr. Stephen Opuni is standing trial on 27 charges including causing financial loss to the state.

Deputy Communications Director of opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kwaku Boahen, revealed five buses arrived from Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi.

Kwaku Boahen told JoyNews court reporter, Joseph Ackah-Blay, that the supporters are coming to "see what is going on" just as journalists are also interested in reporting on the case.

The bussing of supporters comes after the NDC claimed the trial of the former appointee under the John Mahama administration, is politically motivated.

It is a claim the government has dismissed explaining there is sufficient evidence to support the charges.

But towing the party line, the NDC Deputy Communications Director insisted the trial is persecution, not prosecution.

He, however, pointed out that the party has not sanctioned the bussing of the supporters. The throng, they expect, are people "who think that Dr. Opuni is being crucified".

Photo: Dr. Stephen Opuni

He criticised the government for being selective in its fight against corruption.

Giving his examples, Kwaku Boahen said the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) keeps on defending Alfred Obeng, CEO of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transport Company (BOST), during a controversy surrounding the sale of contaminated petroleum products.

Since the NPP is adamant in defending its people, the NDC also needs to defend its people.

The NDC is yet to support another former appointee, William Tevie, who is standing trial for causing financial loss to the state during his time as Chief Executive of the National Communications Authority.

Kwaku Boahen insisted the fight against corruption can be done without partisan coloration.

Shortly after speaking top NDC officials and former government ministers arrived at the court.

Former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, former Fisheries minister Sherry Ayitey and former Attorney-General Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong have arrived at the court.

The courtroom which was already packed has had to be cleared after the court manager insisted there is the need to screen the audience.

There is heavy security at the court premises as police anticipate a heavy turn-out.

NDC supporters have struggled to gain access into the court. There were moments of confusion as the police tried to screen them.

The courtroom is full of lawyers including President of the Ghana Bar Association Benson Nustupui, journalists and several former government officials and party leaders.

Several can be seen standing in court as there is no seating space.

Dr. Opuni arrived at the court at about 11:30 am smiling, in the company of his son. 

Appeals court Judge Justice C.J Honyenuga who is presiding as additional High Court Judge, later sat in court to signal a start of proceedings.

Legal teams

For state 

Gloria Akuffo- Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame-Deputy Attorney General, Joseph Dindiok Kpenka-Deputy Attorney General, Evelyn Keelson-Chief State Attorney and others.

For Defence 

Samuel Cudjoe Representing Dr.Stephen Opuni

Benson Nutsukpui representing Seidu Agongo and Agricult. 

Representing Agricult Ghana Limited 

 

Personalities present

Former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah,
Former AG Mariata Brew Appiah-Oppong,
Former Deputy AG Dr. Dominic Ayine,Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sherry Ayitey, Former Tourism Minister Elizabether Agyare,former Petroleum Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, former Deputy Communication minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, former KMA Boss Kojo Bonsu NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia , NDC National Organizer Kofi Adams,