The High Court has opted not to proceed with the trial of Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa in the ambulance case, citing the Court of Appeal’s recent decision to acquit and discharge them.
Originally scheduled to convene on Tuesday, July 30, the High Court session was preempted by the Court of Appeal’s ruling that upheld an appeal against the Economic and Financial Crimes Court’s decision involving Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, former Deputy Finance Minister and Minority Leader.
In March 2023, the High Court directed Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Seth Anemana (former Chief Director, Ministry of Health), and Richard Jakpa (businessman) to present their defence after the Attorney General’s office established a prima facie case against them.
They were accused of willfully causing the state a financial loss of 2.37 million Euros in procuring unfit ambulances for their intended use.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, Dr Ato Forson’s legal team filed a submission of no case. However, the High Court ruled on March 30, 2023, that the accused should open their defence, a decision now set aside by the Court of Appeal.
In its July 30 decision, the Court of Appeal cited the prosecution’s failure to provide sufficient evidence and highlighted errors in the trial judge’s directives.
The panel of justices concluded by acquitting and discharging all accused persons, emphasizing any financial loss should be attributed to the Ministry of Health’s negligence rather than the defendants.
With the High Court deferring to the Court of Appeal’s judgment, the legal proceedings concerning Dr Ato Forson and his co-accused have effectively concluded at the trial level.
