Following an intense eight-year legal struggle, Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, former CEO of COCOBOD, has been acquitted of all charges—and he is attributing his vindication to the grace of God.
Last month’s High Court ruling brought an end to a long and trying legal journey for Dr. Opuni. In response, he joined the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Emmanuel Congregation, at Dormaa-Babianeha—his hometown in the Bono Region—on Easter Sunday, to give thanks. For him, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection coincided with a personal rebirth.
Accompanied by his family, Bono Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by Chairman Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, as well as Members of Parliament, Municipal and District Chief Executives, constituency executives, and other party supporters, Dr. Opuni offered praises to God for what he described as divine deliverance.
“This triumph isn’t mine alone—it’s the Lord’s work. My family and I faced this ordeal for eight long years. Yet, throughout it all, my faith only grew stronger. Today, as we mark Christ’s resurrection, I too celebrate a new beginning,” he stated.
Dr. Opuni was initially charged with financial misconduct during his tenure at COCOBOD. However, the court ultimately ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a solid case, resulting in his full exoneration.
Even in the midst of his legal troubles, Dr. Opuni continued contributing to his community, including funding educational infrastructure. He also plans to build a school in honor of his late mother, reinforcing his dedication to education and social progress.
He used the occasion to warn against the dangers of defamation, cautioning people against making baseless accusations.
“Words have power. False claims can devastate lives and tear families apart. We must stand for truth and justice,” he urged.
Reflecting on his time at COCOBOD during President Mahama’s administration, Dr. Opuni compared it to the current state of the cocoa sector under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, suggesting the sector is now in decline.
He encouraged Ghanaians to assess the situation for themselves and draw their own conclusions. With renewed faith and a spirit of gratitude, Dr. Opuni says he remains committed to serving both God and country.
