This is proof that we’ve judges of integrity in Ghana – Richard Jakpa

Richard Jakpa, an accused in the ambulance case involving Cassiel Ato Forson, says he was very sure the case was going to be thrown out of court.

He says he knew from the onset that he had done nothing wrong, adding that he believed it was political witch-hunting.

“I knew from the onset that I had done nothing wrong, and this was just political witch-hunting, and the court has vindicated me. We still have judges of integrity in our legal system in this country.”

Background

The High Court in March 2023 ordered Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to open his defence after the Attorney General’s office established a prima facie case against the former deputy finance minister in the 2.37 million Euro ambulance case.

Two others, Seth Anemana, a former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, and Richard Jakpa, a businessman, who were standing trial with Dr. Forson, were also directed to open their defence.

The Minority Leader and the two were variously charged with willfully causing financial loss to the state to the tune of 2.37 million Euros in the purchase of ambulances, which could not be used for their intended purpose.

However, the lawyers of the accused filed a submission of no case after the prosecution closed its case, but in its ruling on March 30, 2023, the presiding judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe, indicated that the accused persons should open their defence.

But a ruling on July 30, 2024, indicated that the High Court’s decision should be set aside since “the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence. The trial judge erred in calling on A1 (Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson) to open his defence. No positively proven facts.”