Hamed Sardashti, CEO of Big Sea General Trading LLC, is set to testify today via video link from Dubai in the ongoing trial concerning ambulance procurement for Ghana.
Big Sea, specializing in ambulance production, began shipments to Ghana in December 2014 under a government contract. The company first sent ten ambulances, and it plans to send 200 in total.
Following a post-delivery inspection report, Ghanaian Ministry of Health officials visited Big Sea’s Dubai facility in February 2015 to address concerns and recommend enhancements to meet local operational standards.
Sardashti’s testimony is pivotal in the case involving Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader of Parliament and former Deputy Minister of Finance, who faces charges related to the procurement. Allegations include causing financial loss and misapplication of state property, which both Forson and Richard Jakpa, Big Sea’s agent, deny.
Jakpa previously suggested the case targeted Forson, asserting his role as collateral damage according to insights from the Attorney General.
In his defense, Jakpa emphasized that due diligence was diligently observed, and approvals from the Cabinet and Parliament confirmed the procurement processes and specifications.
The trial continues with heightened attention on Sardashti’s anticipated testimony today.
