Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s legal team, expressed gratitude to the Court of Appeal judges for acquitting and discharging Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in the ambulance trial. Tameklo emphasized that the judges had demonstrated fidelity to the law.
Tameklo explained that the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the submission of no case effectively aborted the entire trial at the High Court.
“It means everything has been aborted,” he told journalists, emphasizing the judges’ adherence to legal principles and praising their fairness in the trial.
Previously, the High Court had ordered Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, along with Seth Anemana and Richard Jakpa, to open their defence following serious allegations. These allegations involved causing financial loss to the state amounting to 2.37 million Euros in the purchase of ambulances that were deemed unfit for their intended purpose.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, Dr Ato Forson’s lawyers filed a submission of no case. Despite this, the High Court ruled in March 2023 that the defence should proceed, causing a wave of uncertainty and stress. However, the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal has brought a sense of relief and vindication to Dr. Ato Forson and his legal team.
In its ruling on July 30, the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court’s decision, citing insufficient evidence and impermissible speculations in the prosecution’s case. The justices acquitted and discharged all accused parties, highlighting that financial losses should be attributed to the Ministry of Health’s recklessness rather than the defendants.
The appellate court concluded that both appellants had sufficiently made their case for acquittal and discharge, marking a significant and weighty development in the ongoing legal proceedings. This ruling carries immense implications for the future of similar cases.
