The Court of Appeal has acquitted and discharged the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who was standing trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state of causing financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in an ambulance deal.
In a 2-1 majority decision today (July 30), the second highest court of the land held that the prosecution handling the case did not establish a prima facie case for the Minority Leader to answer.
Accordingly, the court held that there was no basis for the trial High Court to call Dr Forson to open his defence.
The court gave the decision today after it upheld an appeal by Dr Forson challenging the decision of the trial High Court to dismiss his submission of no case.
Background
In 2009, the then-President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, announced plans to purchase new ambulances to expand the operations of the National Ambulance Service. Jakpa’s company, Jakpa at Business, was appointed as the local representative of Big Sea General Trading Limited, a company based in Dubai, to supply the ambulances.
Parliament approved the financing agreement between the government and Stanbic Bank, and the letters of credit were established in favour of Big Sea. However, the government alleged that Jakpa’s company received payments for ambulances that did not meet specifications, resulting in a financial loss to the state.
The trial has been ongoing for several months, with both sides presenting evidence and witnesses. The court’s decision is eagerly awaited, as it will determine whether Jakpa and Dr Forson are liable for the alleged financial loss to the state.
More to come soon..
Source: Graphic Online
