I decline the invitation to transfer your case to another judge-CJ to Opuni
The Case, which involves Dr Opuni and Seidu Agongo, is being handled by Justice Clemence Honyenuga, a supreme court judge sitting additionally as a High Court Judge.
The Chief Justice, His Lordship Kwasi Anin Yeboah has declined an invitation by the former COCOBOD CEO, Dr Stephen Opuni to transfer his case to another judge.
The Case, which involves Dr Opuni and Seidu Agongo, is being handled by Justice Clemence Honyenuga, a supreme court judge sitting additionally as a High Court Judge.
On two occasions, Dr Opuni has failed to get the judge removed from his case after he made an allegation of supposed bias against the judge.
Dr Opuni was therefore ordered to open his defence on June 18, 2021.
After several attempts, Dr Opuni however sent a petition to the Chief Justice to get his case transferred to another judge.
Dr Opuni and businessman, Seidu Agongo are standing trial over accusations of causing financial loss of more than GH¢271.3 million to the state in a series of fertiliser deals.
They have denied any wrongdoing and have pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled against them.
Justice Honyenugah announced in court that he had received a copy of the petition sent to the Chief Justice by Dr Opuni.
Today, Thursday, July 1, 2021, Justice Honyenugah read in court a copy of the chief Justice response to the petition sent by Dr Opuni which reads;
“Your petition in respect of the above subject matter has been considered after serious thought. I have noticed from the petition that the learned judge has not made any prejudicial statements to infer that there is a real likelihood of bias against you as an accused person; in the case in which you are yet to open your defence.”
“In view of the fact that no serious allegation of likelihood of bias has been established, I will decline the invitation to transfer the case to another judge. This does not preclude you, in the exercise of your constitutional rights to report to the judicial process for the transfer you are respectfully requesting for,” the judge read to the court.
After reading the response, Justice Clemence Honyenugah indicated that he now had every right to order the opening of defence by Dr Opuni.
However, the judge hinted of a pending application by Dr. Opuni at the Supreme Court and consequently, adjourned the case to 15th July 2021.
