In a recent development in the trial of Dr. Stephen Opuni, former CEO of COCOBOD, and Mr. Seidu Agongo, a Research Scientist at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), Mr. Jerome Agbesi Dogbatse, provided significant testimony regarding the Cocoa Nti fertilizer.
Mr. Dogbatse confirmed that no Cocoa Nti fertilizer samples were ever submitted to CRIG for testing. Furthermore, he stated that there was no evidence or record of a delegation from Morocco’s OCP, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and Enepa Ventures visiting CRIG in 2013 with a proposal to submit a Cocoa Nti fertilizer sample for cocoa testing.
As a subpoenaed witness for Mr. Seidu Agongo, Mr. Dogbatse's testimony shed light on key aspects of the case. He mentioned that he was not aware of any fertilizer company being prosecuted by the State after a report was produced by CRIG concerning them.
Additionally, Mr. Dogbatse revealed that Rev. Father Dr. E.O.K. Oddoye, the Deputy Executive Director in Charge of Cocoa and chair of a committee investigating Cocoa Nti fertilizer, suspended Dr. Alfred Arthur and found him guilty in 2016. Dr. Arthur's involvement with the local suppliers of 'Cocoa Nti' granular fertilizer and his subsequent transfer and re-transfer within CRIG were also highlighted during the testimony.
Moreover, Mr. Dogbatse confirmed the return of Dr. Yaw Adu-Ampomah and Dr. Franklin Amoh to their previous positions at COCOBOD after retirement. He also addressed the issue of complaints about lithovit fertilizer, noting that Dr. Adu-Ampomah, Dr. Arthur, and Dr. Amoh were the only witnesses in the trial who had complained about it.
The proceedings provided crucial insights into the intricacies surrounding the Cocoa Nti fertilizer and its associated individuals. The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2024, as further details continue to unfold.
This testimony underscores the complexity of the case and the importance of thorough investigation and due process in matters concerning agricultural products and public procurement. As the trial progresses, it is essential to await further developments and remain attentive to the unfolding details that will shape the outcome of this significant case.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
