The former Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni together with two others have been ordered by an Accra Criminal High Court to open their defence after their submission of no case failed.

According to the presiding judge, Justice Clemence Honyenuga the prosecution have been able to establish prima facia case against the accused persons- Dr Opuni, businessman Siedu Agongo and Agricult Ghana Limited.

The Justice of the Supreme Court who is sitting as an additional judge of the High Court determined the application for no case today.

His reasons for arriving at the conclusion are yet to be made public, as the entire ruling will be made available at the court registry on Monday, April 11, 2021.

Although the accused persons are to answer all the charges levelled against them, he acquitted and discharged them on counts 22, 23 and 24.

Justice Honyenuga adjourned sitting to Monday, April 17.

By Adelaide Oforiwaa