Opuni Trial: Research scientist discredits GSA fertiliser report

A principal research scientist at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, Dr. Samuel Akoto Bamford has discredited a report by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) that forms the basis for the prosecution of former COCOBOD boss Dr. Stephen Opuni and businessman, Seidu Agongo.

The two are on trial for allegedly defrauding by false pretences and causing financial loss of $271 million to the state.

Both have pleaded not guilty, with Dr. Opuni concluding his defence and Seidu Agongo raising his defence against the charges.

The State’s case hinges on a GSA forensic science laboratory report, which claims that substances purchased by COCOBOD purported to be fertilisers were not.

But Seidu Agongo in an attempt to dispute the claim requested an analysis from Dr. Samuel Akoto Bamford.

Dr. Bamford in his analysis and testimony explained that the reference standard and test methods used for the analysis were a method meant for testing the quality of drinking water, thus not suitable for fertiliser analysis.

He explained during his testimony that water and fertilisers have different sample matrices, analytical parameters, concentration levels and regulatory specifications suggesting that different test methods and procedures are required for each analysis.

He concluded that the report and its results were contradictory and ought not to be relied on in determining if the products are fertilisers.

Dr. Bamford however, testified to a second report by the material science laboratory of the Ghana Standards Authority which rather confirmed that the products were fertilisers.

He stated that the test methods cited in that report were acceptable and the results were reliable.

He urged the court to thus accept the second report in determining if the products purchased were fertilisers.