Abraham Amaliba, Director of Conflict Resolution for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has sharply criticized Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame for causing financial loss to the state in the ambulance case involving Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Amaliba’s remarks follow the Court of Appeal’s decision on July 30 to acquit and discharge Dr. Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa. Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, Amaliba argued that the AG’s refusal to accept a refund of 2.7 million euros from the company involved has resulted in financial loss for Ghana.
He claimed that the case was intended to persecute Dr. Forson. Amaliba explained that the company had agreed to return the 2 million euros it received from the government, plus an additional 700,000 euros, and to reclaim their ambulances.
Despite this offer, the AG chose to proceed with prosecution. Amaliba questioned the wisdom of this decision, suggesting that accepting the refund would have been more beneficial for Ghana. He noted that continuing the prosecution would impose additional financial burdens on the state, including the costs of feeding, clothing, and providing medical care for the accused.
“Jakpa has not signed any agreement with the government of Ghana. Jakpa is just an agent of a company that entered into an agreement with Ghana. In fact, the principal agreed to pay back the 2 million euros plus an additional 700,000 euros, totaling 2.7 million euros, and take back their vehicles. But you refused,” Amaliba said.
He added, “For me, this is what I would call causing financial loss to the state on the part of the Attorney General. Today, with the ruling that we have and the fact that the two accused persons are walking free, wouldn’t it have been better for the AG to accept these 2.7 million euros and let them take their vehicles back? Wouldn’t Ghana be better off than insisting on putting someone in jail?”
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