The Court of Appeal has discharged Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson from the ongoing ambulance case.
This decision overturns the trial court's order for Dr Ato Forson to open his defence.
The ruling signifies that Dr Ato Forson’s submission of no case, which was previously rejected by trial judge Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe, has now been upheld by the Court of Appeal.
By setting aside the trial court's decision, the Court of Appeal has effectively cleared Dr Ato Forson of the need to present a defence in this case.
This development marks a significant turn in the legal proceedings, exonerating Dr Ato Forson from the allegations brought against him in the ambulance case.
Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, who is a representative for Big Sea have been accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016
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.
