Joyce Bawah Mogtari Esq., Spokesperson and Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep satisfaction with the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge Dr. Ato Forson, the Minority Leader and former Deputy Minister of Finance, in the high-profile ambulance trial.
The verdict brings an end to what Mrs Mogtari described as an “indecent and malicious persecution” orchestrated by the state against Dr Ato Forson, the former Deputy Minister of Finance under the erstwhile Mahama’s administration.
“The morning after the Court of Appeal brought the indecent and malicious persecution of the Minority Leader, Hon. Dr. Ato Forson, to a predictable end, This is a resounding confirmation of the NDC’s strongly held position on this matter – the NDC caused no financial loss to the Republic, the government did nothing wrong”.
Joyce Bawah Mogtari Esq. , Spokersperson, Former President John Dramani Mahama
Mrs Mogtari underscored the public outcry from fair-minded Ghanaians who had previously called for the resignation of Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame.
These calls, she noted were fueled by allegations of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame interference with a witness during the prosecution, which according to her many viewed as a blatant abuse of power.
Criticisms Against Attorney General
Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama further criticized the Attorney General for his deliberate and malicious prosecution of the Minority Leader with the intention to weaken the Minority Caucus in Parliament.
According to her, there was no substantial basis, requiring the prosecution of the Minority Leader and former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson by the ruling New Patriotic Party administration, particularly by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
“You can do anything with power, but to seek to deprive a man of his personal liberty on false grounds is the height of dictatorship”, Mrs. Mogtari fumed.
She expressed her disapproval of the prosecution of the Minority Leader regarding the procurement of some 200 Ambulances under the previous NDC’s administration.
Mrs Mogtari joyfully commended the judges for demonstrating their utmost fidelity to the laws of the country, adding that ‘Under such dictatorships, courageous judges are a great antidote”.
Mrs Mogtari also called for more courageous judges, stressing former President John Dramani Mahama’s earlier call for courageous judges to safeguard the country’s justice delivery system.
Additionally, the spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress flagbearer, Joyce Bawah Mogtari expressed profound gratitude to all citizens who stood by Dr. Forson and supported the quest for justice throughout the trial.
Her remarks echoed sentiments previously articulated by former President John Dramani Mahama, who lauded the Court of Appeal’s decision as a triumph for the rule of law.
“This is good news from the Court of Appeal, acquitting and discharging former Deputy Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson in the ambulance case. This is a victory for the rule of law and confirms my long-held view that the whole case was political persecution”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Flagbearer
The former President’s reaction highlighted the judicial process that led to this outcome. He noted that the appeal was lodged following the High Court’s rejection of a no-case petition, marking the Court of Appeal’s ruling as an unexpected yet pleasant surprise.
“It shows that we still have justice in this country”, Mr Mahama stated, adding that “We can work to make the judiciary what we want it to be”.
In a forward-looking statement, Mr. Mahama pledged to appoint a fair-minded Minister for Justice who would collaborate with the legal fraternity and the Judicial Council to implement reforms aimed at achieving a truly independent judiciary.
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