The Accra High Court has dismissed an application for a mistrial filed by Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in the ongoing Ambulance case. The decision follows multiple motions submitted by Dr. Forson and the third accused, businessman Richard Jakpa.
The applications sought various orders from the court, including an inquiry into the conduct of the Attorney-General (A-G) over allegations made by Mr. Jakpa, who claimed that the A-G had been calling him at odd hours. Additionally, the applications requested a mistrial to terminate the case, a stay of proceedings until the determination of the applications, and a motion to strike out charges against Mr. Jakpa.
Dr. Forson, also a former Deputy Finance Minister, filed three of the motions. In an affidavit submitted on May 31, 2024, he expressed concerns about a leaked tape, which he argued demonstrated professional misconduct by the A-G. These recordings were included as annexes in the filed application.
The A-G’s office, however, countered in a subsequent motion that these actions by the accused were part of an effort to evade justice. The High Court, presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, dismissed the mistrial request, stating that Dr. Forson failed to demonstrate any provisions that would warrant such an action in this case or adequately probe the A-G’s alleged misconduct.
Regarding the allegations of the A-G’s calls to Mr. Jakpa, Justice Asare-Botwe ruled that the request for an inquiry lacked legal backing.
The court’s decision to dismiss these applications ensures that the trial will proceed as scheduled, with the charges against the accused persons remaining intact.
This case continues to draw significant public attention, given the high-profile nature of the accused individuals and the serious implications of the charges involved.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com