Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe a High Court judge hearing the case involving former Deputy Finance Minister and Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and businessman Richard Jakpa, both accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state, has warned the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi.
According to a graphiconline.com report, her warning followed a comment made by Gyamfi regarding the trial.
Justice Asare-Botwe addressed the court on May 28, 2024, expressing discomfort with Gyamfi’s remarks suggesting that "if somebody can call an accused person without his lawyer, then that person can call a judge."
Gyamfi clarified his statement, asserting that he did not specifically refer to the judge presiding over the case.
However, Justice Asare-Botwe emphasized the gravity of such comments, reminding Gyamfi of his professional responsibilities.
"Don’t ever forget that you are a lawyer for convenience's sake; no lawyer ever does what you’re doing with the bench," she remarked.
She further stressed the need for decorum and circumspection in public commentary about the judiciary.
In light of the ongoing trial, the judge advised against making public allegations about judicial conduct.
"Nobody should go out in the press saying somebody has called the judge. Let’s all be circumspect," she added.
Following this exchange, Justice Asare-Botwe invited Gyamfi, the defence lawyers, Deputy Attorney General, and former Attorney General Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong for a discussion.
She adjourned the case to Tuesday, June 4, to rule on an application filed by Dr. Ato Forson's legal team.
Dr. Forson and Jakpa are accused of causing a €2.37 million financial loss to the state through a deal to procure 200 ambulances between 2014 and 2016.
They face charges of willfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment, contravention of the Public Procurement Act, and intentional misapplication of public property, to which they have pleaded not guilty.
TWI NEWS
AM/SARA
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