Renowned lawyer and human rights advocate, Richard Dela Sky, has expressed his thoughts on the landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal, which granted a significant victory to Minority Leader, Honorable Cassiel Ato Forson, in the highly publicized ambulance procurement case.
According to Dela Sky, this landmark decision represents a pivotal moment in the protracted and contentious legal saga, which has been marred by a flurry of accusations and counter-accusations both in the media and the courtroom, signaling a significant shift in the tide of the battle.
Dela Sky pointed out that the ruling casts doubt on the solidity of the prosecution’s evidence, potentially having profound and far-reaching consequences for the trajectory of the case.
“The Court of Appeal in Accra has this morning overturned a High Court ruling, exempting Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson from presenting his defense in the controversial ambulance case”.
“With a 2:1 majority, the appellate court upheld Forson’s ‘no case’ submission, potentially dealing a significant blow to the prosecution’s case. The decision also extends to Richard Jakpa, the third accused”.
Richard Dela Sky
Dela Sky cautioned that, despite this significant ruling, the legal battle is far from over, and further proceedings are likely to ensue.
He observed that the next move is uncertain, as it remains to be seen whether the Attorney General’s office will acquiesce to today’s ruling or opt to challenge it by filing an appeal with the Supreme Court.
Dela Sky pointed out that if an appeal is filed and pursued, it could significantly prolong the legal battle, introducing additional layers of complexity and further entangling this already high-profile case in a protracted and contentious legal process.
Landmark Ruling Upholds Due Process
Furthermore, Richard Dela Sky underscored that the landmark ruling on this day, July 30th, 2024, stands as a poignant testament to the enduring significance of due process, serving as a powerful reminder of its paramount importance in upholding the integrity of the legal system.
Additionally, Dela Sky noted that the ruling underscored the critical need for rigorous and meticulous examination of evidence in high-profile cases, where the stakes are exceptionally high and the consequences of error or oversight can be severe and far-reaching.
“As the case continues to unfold, it will likely remain a major subject of intense public and political interest, given its implications for both the accused and the broader context of political accountability in Ghana (as well as the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in this democracy)”.
Richard Dela Sky
Meanwhile, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa extended warm congratulations to his colleagues, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Mr. Richard Jakpa, on their resounding acquittal in the highly publicized €2.3 million ambulance procurement case.
He noted that the appeal court’s ruling provides a long-awaited resolution to a protracted, unnecessary, and contentious legal dispute, finally bringing an end to the prolonged uncertainty and controversy surrounding the case.
Reacting to the acquittal, the North Tongu MP declared that attention will now turn to the alleged US$108 million ambulance racketeering under President Akufo-Addo’s watch.
He reiterated his earlier vow to hold accountable those implicated in the recent ambulance procurement scandal.
Moreover, the Court of Appeal’s decision overturned the lower court’s ruling, issued by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe, which had rejected Dr. Ato Forson’s ‘no case’ submission and compelled him to present his defense.
Dr. Ato Forson had contended that the prosecution’s case against him was lacking in substance, and therefore, he had no case to answer, but the trial judge initially dismissed this submission, prompting an appeal.
Similarly, Mr. Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ambulance case, had also made a ‘no case’ submission, which was rejected, and subsequently presented his defense, calling several witnesses to testify on his behalf.
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