Former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asserted that the trial of Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson over the ambulance procurement should never have commenced. He echoed his longstanding belief in Dr Forson’s innocence and his satisfaction with the recent court ruling.
In an exclusive interview with TV3’s Komla Klutse on Tuesday, July 30, Mahama expressed surprise and vindication following the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa on charges related to the 2.37 million Euro ambulance purchase.
“It vindicates [Ato Forson] ‘s innocence. We believe that this prosecution should never have taken place.
Indeed, it [the Court of Appeal’s decision] was a surprise because I had quite forgotten about the appeal,” Mahama stated. “But it shows that we still have justice in this country, and we can work to make the judiciary what we want it to be.”
The High Court initially set to convene on the same day but did not proceed with the ambulance case in light of the Court of Appeal’s decision. Previously, the High Court had directed Dr Ato Forson to open his defence alongside two others, Sylvester Anemana and Richard Jakpa, after the Attorney General’s office established a prima facie case against them.
However, the Court of Appeal overturned this decision on July 30, citing insufficient evidence and errors in the trial judge’s case handling.
The justices’ panel ruled, “The prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence. The trial judge erred in calling on A1 (Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson) to open his defence.
There are no positively proven facts. The evidence is based on impermissible speculations. There is no link between the evidence heard and what happened for the third accused to be called to open defence.”
Mahama’s comments reflect broader sentiments among supporters and observers. They underline a contentious legal battle that highlights due process and accountability issues in Ghanaian governance.
