Ato Forson’s Acquittal: Suddenly, the rule of law is at work because they’ve won – Nana B slams NDC

The National Organiser of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, has called out the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its leader, John Mahama, for their sudden praise of the judiciary.

This follows the main opposition’s recent court victory.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, 31 July 2024, the NPP National Organiser wrote: “Suddenly, John Mahama and the NDC are singing the praises of the judiciary they have bastardised and maligned for several years.”

Nana B highlighted the irony in the NDC's change in tone, suggesting that the party's newfound respect for the rule of law is purely opportunistic.

“Suddenly, the rule of law is at work because they have won. Suddenly, the court is no longer an appendage of government. Suddenly, the judges appointed by Akufo-Addo are not partisan,” Nana B indicated, underlining what he perceives as the NDC's double standards.

He expressed concern that the NDC's inconsistent stance could harm Ghana's democratic fabric.

“The double standards of the NDC are regrettable and do not bode well for our democracy,” he stated.

While acknowledging the Attorney General's disagreement with the court's decision, Nana B emphasised the importance of accepting the ruling in good faith.

“We accept it in good faith and hope Mr. Mahama and the NDC do not change their chorus should the decision of the Court of Appeal be reversed by the Supreme Court,” he added.

Former President John Dramani Mahama had affirmed that the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge former Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in the high-profile ambulance procurement case had confirmed the long-held suspicion.

According to the NDC flagbearer, this decision has been hailed as a victory for justice and has further confirmed suspicions that the case was politically motivated.

He explained that the appeal, filed after a no-case petition was rejected by the High Court, was upheld by the Court of Appeal, much to the pleasant surprise of many.

“This ruling is seen as a testament to the resilience of the judicial system in Ghana, affirming that justice can still prevail in the country,” Mr. Mahama said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

Commenting on the ruling, Mr. Mahama stated, “This is a victory for the rule of law and confirms my long-held view that the whole case was political persecution.

It shows that we still have justice in this country, and we can work to make the Judiciary what we want it to be.”

He further pledged to appoint a fair-minded Minister for Justice who will collaborate with the legal fraternity and the Judicial Council to implement reforms aimed at ensuring a truly independent judiciary.

“We need a judicial system that we can all be proud of, and I am committed to making that a reality,” he added.