Ato Forson Ambulance Trial was Political Persecution- Mahama
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has affirmed that the trial case against former Deputy Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson and two others over the purchase of 200 ambulances in 2014 is a clear case of political persecution.
Following his acquittal alongside Richard Jakpa, another accused, Mr Mahama rejoiced over the ruling by the Appeal Court.
“Good news from the Court of Appeal, acquitting and discharging former deputy finance minister Cassiel Ato Forson in the ambulance case. This is a victory for the rule of law and confirms my long-held view that the whole case was political persecution.”
According to the former President, the verdict was unexpected.
“This appeal was made some time ago when they filed a no-case petition before the court and the High Court rejected it so they went to appeal. So it came as quite a pleasant surprise. But it shows that we still have justice in this country, we can work to make the judiciary what we want it to be.”
He is bent on appointing a fair-minded Minister for Justice when he is elected in the upcoming Presidential Election to ensure a “truly independent” judiciary.
In court on Tuesday, a split 2–1 decision allowed an appeal against the ruling of the High Court, Accra dated March 30, 2023, dismissing a submission of no case filed by the accused persons and ordering them to open their defence.
However, the A-G is of the view that the decision of the Court of Appeal is “grossly unfair” to the nation and “inimical to the fight against impunity and abuse in public office”.
“The Office of the Attorney-General considers the decision of the Court of Appeal to be perverse in the quest for public accountability and the rule of law.
“The decision clearly is heavily against the weight of the cogent evidence led by the prosecution in substantiation of all the charges against the accused persons at the trial.”
He is therefore bent on immediately appealing the decision of the Court of Appeal.
