Court of Appeal’s decision grossly unfair to the nation and inimical to the fight against abuse in public office – AG

The controversial trial (Ambulance Trial) of businessman Richard Jakpa and minority leader Cassiel Ato Forson for allegedly causing financial loss to the State was quashed by a 2:1 majority Court of Appeal decision. Attorney General and Minister of Justice Godfred Yeboah Dame recently served notice that he will appeal.

In an agreement to buy 200 ambulances for the nation between 2014 and 2016, Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, a representative for Big Sea, were charged with causing the State to lose €2.37 million financially.

Richard Jakpa, the third accused, had to summon several witnesses in order for the case to progress after the Court ruled that the two had no case to answer and overturned a previous ruling made by the trial High Court.

In a statement issued by the Attorney General shortly after the ruling, Godfred Dame indicated that his office “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.”

The AG, who proceeded to narrate what he said are the ‘relevant facts of the matter’, concluded that “The Office of the Attorney-General considers the decision of the Court of Appeal grossly unfair to the nation and inimical to the fight against impunity and abuse in public office. The Office will promptly file an appeal in order to erase the effect of this erroneous decision of the Court of Appeal.”

Read the full statement below:

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com