The Medical Director of St. Lucy Eye Clinic, Dr. Abalo Kodjo, has told the Criminal Division ‘1’ of the Accra High Court that the if care was not taken, the former Chief Executive (CE) of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, might go blind.
He told the court, presided over by Justice Clemence Honynuga, that Dr. Opuni, first accused person (A1) in a GH¢2.1 billion cocoa trial, a day after his eye surgery developed some complications, which, if not managed properly, would result in the former COCOBOD boss going blind.
Dr. Kodjo explained to the court that the complications were a result of pressure that had built up in the eye, and that could cause the eye to become like a stone.
The St. Lucy Eye Clinic Medical Director disclosed this while being cross-examined by the Chief State Attorney, Evelyn Keelson, yesterday.
Dr. Kodjo was called upon by the court to answer questions regarding a medical report that he prepared, which was submitted to the court for Dr. Opuni to be granted six weeks excuse duty.
However, when Mrs. Keelson posed the question to him – that what harm would it cause if Dr. Opuni wore dark glasses to attend to duties he is mandated to?
The Medical Officer responded that Dr. Opuni was having artificial lens on one of his eyes, which could not naturally absorb light, therefore, needed time for the retinal to stabilise.
He warned that after an eye surgery anything could happen, since the retinal was very fragile, and went ahead to make reference to a similar case, which the Centre was dealing with.
According to him: “He (Dr. Opuni) has natural lens on the right eye, but the left is artificial lens. The capacity of artificial lens to absorb light is zero. Focusing on bright things he can’t be comfortable.”
The Chief State Attorney further pressed hard on the Medical Officer, saying: “I’m putting it to you that in the same way Dr. Opuni attends reviews at the clinic, in the same vein, he can attend proceedings and sit quietly and observe proceedings without any harm?”
Dr. Kodjo indicated that the six weeks were crucial for the healing process, adding that the period was not exclusive to Dr. Opuni, but all retinal surgery operations.
He added that in some cases, patients are given two to six months excuse duty, depending on the healing process.
Justice Honyenuga, after hearing the Ophthalmologist, and also considering that hearing via video conference, said it could not be possible in the case of Dr. Opun, and granted the six weeks excuse duty.
His Lordship adjourned the case to next month, November 7, for continuation.
Background
Dr. Opuni is standing trial with businessman Seidu Agongo and his company, Agricult Ghana Limited.
The three have been slapped with some 27 charges, including causing financial loss to the Republic of Ghana, money laundering, corruption of public officer, violation of procurement laws and defrauding by false pretenses.
