Opuni Trial Witness Testifies on Impact of Lithovit Liquid Fertilizer.

Accra: Mr. Francis Cyril Asiedu, a former District Extension Officer with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), provided key testimony in the ongoing trial involving Dr. Stephen Opuni, the former Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, and two others. Asiedu testified that farmers have described Lithovit liquid fertilizer as a 'game changer' in enhancing cocoa yields. According to Ghana News Agency, Asiedu recounted how one farmer was able to dedicate all his time to harvesting his cocoa and was extremely proud of his yield, attributing this success to the use of Lithovit liquid fertilizer. Asiedu, who was called as a defense witness for Mr. Seidu Agongo, made these statements during cross-examination. The trial revolves around Dr. Opuni and Mr. Agongo, who face 27 charges including defrauding by false pretenses, willfully causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, and corruption by a public officer, all in violation of the Public Procurement Act. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and are currently on GH?300,000 self-recognizance bail. Asiedu, the 8th defense witness, explained that positive feedback on Lithovit liquid fertilizer was gathered during community and district rallies where extension officers discussed agrochemical interventions with farmers. He noted that many extension officers shared similar opinions with the farmers, confirming the fertilizer's impact on crop yields. As a former member of COCOBOD's Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), Asiedu confirmed that the efficacy of Lithovit liquid fertilizer was not disputed within COCOBOD's management. He emphasized that farmers would typically report any ineffective fertilizers immediately after the cocoa season, but there were no adverse reports regarding Lithovit. Asiedu further testified that, based on feedback, the fertilizer was well received by farmers, with many expressing satisfaction and requesting more for future seasons. He highlighted that the effectiveness of Lithovit was also assessed through extension officers' reports a nd field observations, further confirming its positive reception among farmers.