The Attorney General has filed an application challenging allegations of mistrial and misconduct, which the accused claim includes gross prosecutorial abuse and abuse of court processes.
For this reason, the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, is set to face lawyers representing Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, who are on trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in the procurement of ambulances today.
The trial, described by some as politically motivated, has seen senior legal practitioners supporting the first accused’s request for live broadcast of the proceedings.
In an interview with Joy News, Private legal practitioner Kwaku Paintsil supported the idea of live broadcasts but expressed concerns about the judiciary’s resources.
“Justice is dispensed in the name of the people, and if possible, every case in Ghana should be broadcast live. However, the real issue is whether the judiciary has the resources for such activities,” he emphasised.
Also, Appiagyei-Atua, a law professor at the University of Ghana School of Law, endorsed the live broadcast, calling it progressive.
“This case has generated significant public interest and debate. Broadcasting the proceedings live would help the public understand the legal issues and their implications,” he stated.
Background and Controversy
Under cross-examination, Richard Jakpa disclosed that the Attorney General had contacted him at unusual hours to solicit testimony against Minority Leader Dr Ato Forson.
This revelation, backed by a 16-minute phone conversation recently played by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) at a press conference between Jakpa and the Attorney General, has sparked widespread discussions among which some Ghanaians are calling for Godfred Dame’s resignation.
Dr. Ato Forson, former Deputy Finance Minister and current Minority Leader, stands accused of involvement in the procurement of defective ambulances, allegedly causing a financial loss of €2.3 million to the state.
The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dismissed the tape as “doctored and manipulated” with malicious intent.
Although the Attorney General has not personally commented on the tape, his office has sought to downplay its significance, asserting that he will remain in his position.
In response to these developments, lawyers for Dr. Ato Forson and the third accused have filed a supplementary affidavit seeking an order of mistrial, injunction, and/or stay of proceedings in the ongoing ambulance case.
This application is expected to be moved today, Tuesday, 4th June 2024, potentially setting the stage for further legal and political drama.
Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
