The recent Court of Appeal decision to acquit and discharge Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa in the infamous ambulance procurement trial has elicited a spectrum of reactions.
The Attorney General’s office has expressed strong disagreement with the ruling, labeling it a miscarriage of justice and signaling its intent to appeal to the Supreme Court.
In stark contrast, the defense lawyers view the decision as a resounding victory for Ghana’s justice system.
Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame in his vocal discontent with the court’s verdict, claimed that the acquittal and discharge of Dr. Ato Forson undermine efforts to hold public officials accountable for financial improprieties.
He argued that the decision was flawed and merits a higher judicial review. However, this stance has drawn significant criticism from various quarters, with many accusing the Attorney General of pursuing a political vendetta rather than justice.
Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, a lecturer at the University of Ghana Law School, reacting to the controversial matter advised the Attorney General against appealing the Court of Appeal’s decision.
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua cautioned that an appeal to the Supreme Court might not be a prudent use of resources or judicial time.
“I personally don’t think that going to the Supreme Court for an appeal is a sound decision to take. In my opinion, the matter should rest after this decision by the Court of Appeal”.
Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, a lecturer at the University of Ghana Law School,
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua further explained the legal nuances between acquittal and discharge, noting that acquittal signifies the end of the case, while discharge leaves room for potential future prosecution.
Despite the legal provision for an appeal, he emphasized the need for the Attorney General to carefully consider the implications and motivations behind such a move.
He questioned whether the Attorney General might be too emotionally involved or fixated on prosecuting the Minority Leader with the action he wanted to take.
“I think he needs to review that carefully because it is a question of legality, professional conduct”, Professor Appiagyei-Atua added.
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua further expressed the belief that the Court of Appeal’s verdict was fair, asking the Attorney General to consider letting the matter rest.
AG’s Appeal of Ambulance Trial Verdict ‘Wasteful’
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Steve Manteaw, Policy Analyst and Campaigns Coordinator at Integrated Social Development Centre condemned the Attorney General’s determination to appeal as a wasteful and politically motivated endeavor.
“It hurts to think about how our scarce resources have been squandered on this flimsy, wild-goose chase of a prosecution. And Godfred Dame says what? The nation is shocked? No, we are not shocked by the outcome. We are rather shocked that he chose to throw his hard-earned reputation as a seasoned lawyer, to the dogs, in pursuit of a parochial political agenda”.
Dr Steve Manteaw, Policy Analyst and Campaigns Coordinator at Integrated Social Development Centre
Dr Manteaw and Professor Appiagyei-Atua’s critique underscores a broader discontent with the Attorney General’s approach, suggesting that the pursuit of the case has more to do with political maneuvering than with genuine accountability.
This perspective aligns with the growing chorus of voices urging the Attorney General to let the matter rest and focus on other pressing cases.
In an earlier scathing critique, a renowned Political Scientist, Professor Ransford Van Gyampo vehemently criticized the government’s decision, which he believes was driven by spite rather than the best interests of the country.
He underscored the lost opportunity for Ghana to recover a significant financial loss, totaling 2.3 million Euros, chastising the Attorney General over his fixation on wanting to jail the Minority Leader for mere political scores.
The Court of Appeal’s decision, which many see as a blow to the Attorney General’s office, underscores a deeper issue within Ghana’s political and legal framework—the intersection of law and politics.
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