The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has declared his intention to appeal the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal acquitting Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in the high-profile ambulance procurement case.
On Tuesday, July 30, the Court of Appeal overturned a previous directive from the trial court that mandated Dr Ato Forson mount a defence in the ongoing case, citing a lack of evidence against him. The appellate court’s decision, passed with a 2:1 majority, upheld Dr. Forson’s submission of no case.
In response to the ruling, Attorney-General Godfred Dame expressed strong dissent, describing the decision as detrimental to efforts to combat impunity and uphold the rule of law in Ghana.
Dame asserted in a statement, “The Office of the Attorney-General views the Court of Appeal’s decision as grossly unfair to the nation and detrimental to the fight against impunity and abuse of public office.”
He further indicated the Office’s intention to swiftly file an appeal, aiming to overturn what he referred to as an “erroneous decision” by the Court of Appeal.
“We will promptly file an appeal to nullify the impact of this erroneous decision of the Court of Appeal,” Dame affirmed, underlining the Office’s commitment to ensuring accountability and justice concerning alleged financial improprieties.
The ambulance case revolves around allegations that Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, along with two co-accused individuals, willfully caused the state financial loss by procuring ambulances that were deemed unsuitable for their intended use.
The impending appeal sets the stage for continued legal proceedings, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s judicial landscape concerning high-profile corruption cases and governmental accountability.
