Ato Forson’s Ambulance trial: Judge orders National Security to investigate unsanctioned recording of proceedings

The Court of Appeals judge presiding over the trial of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who has been accused of causing financial loss to the state, ordered National Security to investigate an unauthorised recording of the court's proceedings.

According to a report by thelawplatform.online, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe issued the order after the Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah Yeboah, raised concerns about an audio recording of the proceedings circulating on WhatsApp platforms.

She issued the order after inviting counsels for all parties in the Ato Forson trial for an in-camera meeting during proceedings on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

The judge also warned against any further unsanctioned recordings during the trial and advised journalists who wish to have records of the proceedings to apply formally rather than record them.

She cautioned that failure to comply could result in proceedings being held in camera, where only the accused and lawyers for the accused would be present in court.

About Dr. Ato Forson’s Trial:

A former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson; a former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, Sylvester Anemana; and a private businessman, Richard Jakpa, are standing trial for allegedly wilfully causing financial loss of €2.37 million to the state through a contract to purchase 200 ambulances for the Ministry of Health.

The trial of the former deputy minister and the two others began on January 18, 2022, before the court presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Court of Appeal Judge sitting as an additional High Court Judge.

They have pleaded not guilty to the five counts of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment of crime, contravention of the Public Procurement Act, and intentional misapplication of public property.

In March 2024, the state opted to discontinue the case against the former Chief Director at the Ministry, who is currently undergoing medical care in India due to health complications.

The Minority Leader has refuted the state's claim that the ambulances purchased do not meet the required specifications and are therefore "not fit for purpose."

BAI/ ADG

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