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The Court of Appeal has acquitted Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, who was facing charges for allegedly causing a €2.37 million financial loss to the state in an ambulance procurement deal.
On July 30, 2024, the court issued a 2-1 majority ruling, concluding that the prosecution had failed to present a sufficient case for Dr. Forson to respond to. As a result, the court determined there was no justification for the trial High Court to require Dr. Forson to mount a defense.
The decision followed an appeal by Dr. Forson, who challenged the trial High Court’s earlier dismissal of his no-case submission.
To provide context, in 2009, President Prof. John Evans Atta Mills announced plans to enhance the National Ambulance Service with new ambulances. Jakpa’s company, Jakpa at Business, was designated as the local agent for Big Sea General Trading Limited, a Dubai-based firm, to supply these ambulances.
Parliament approved a financing agreement with Stanbic Bank, and letters of credit were issued in favor of Big Sea. However, the government alleged that Jakpa’s company received payments for ambulances that failed to meet the required specifications, leading to a financial loss for the state.
The trial has been ongoing for several months, with both sides presenting their cases. The recent court ruling is a significant development in determining whether Jakpa and Dr. Forson are accountable for the alleged financial loss.
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