Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa
Honorary Vice President of the policy think-tank IMANI-Africa, Bright Simons has criticized the prosecution of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in the ongoing ambulance trial, calling it incompetent and unnecessary due to its basis.
Dr. Ato Forson, a former Deputy Finance Minister, is on trial along with two others for allegedly causing financial loss to the state through the importation of 30 ambulances. This is part of a 2012 contract between the Ministry of Health and Dubai-based firm, Big Sea Limited, for the purchase of 200 ambulances.
The prosecution claims that Dr. Ato Forson issued letters of credit without authorization from his then-boss, Finance Minister Seth Terkper. However, Mr. Terkper testified in court that he did indeed authorize Dr. Ato Forson to establish the letters of credit.
Despite this testimony, the case continues, with the third accused, Richard Jakpa, currently being cross-examined. Bright Simons took to social media, posting on X on Saturday, May 25, to voice his opinion on the matter.
He believes the case is an attempt to silence the Minority in Parliament and insists that letters of credit are not payments themselves but guarantees to honor or refuse payment based on whether certain conditions are met.
“I've racked my brains for eons & still can't understand why this fact so obvious to every business person isn't clear to Ghana's Attorney General. The case against the Minority Leader in Ghana's Parliament for authorizing an LC is INCOMPETENT. Not just because of this MP's point.”
“But more importantly because of what an LC is. An LC is not a simple instruction to pay. It is a guarantee to honor or REFUSE payment if CERTAIN CONDITIONS are met/NOT MET. This is a pure political prosecution to muzzle the opposition in Parliament. Luckily, it isn't working,” he posted.
Bright Simons' comments highlight the broader political implications of the trial, suggesting it is being used as a tool to weaken opposition voices. The ongoing trial has drawn significant attention and controversy.
As the cross-examination of Richard Jakpa proceeds, the debate over the legitimacy and motivations behind the charges against Dr. Ato Forson and the other accused continues to intensify.
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— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) May 25, 2024
I've racked my brains for eons & still can't understand why this fact so obvious to every business person isn't clear to Ghana's Attorney General. The case against the Minority Leader in Ghana's Parliament for authorising an LC is INCOMPETENT. Not just bcos of this MP's point pic.twitter.com/MKVdmQWDz6
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— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) May 25, 2024
But more importantly because of what an LC is. An LC is not a simple instruction to pay. It is a guarantee to honor or REFUSE payment if CERTAIN CONDITIONS are met/NOT MET.
This is a pure political prosecution to muzzle the opposition in Parliament. Luckily, it isn't working. pic.twitter.com/lck4qCc5If
