Deputy AG to appeal acquittal of Ato Forson and Jakpa, citing ‘grave miscarriage of justice’

Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah Yeboah has announced plans to appeal the recent Court of Appeal decision that acquitted Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa in the controversial ambulance procurement case.

Speaking on Accra-based Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, Yeboah confirmed that the appeal process is underway and will be filed shortly.

“We are still reviewing the judgment, but once filed, the media will be promptly informed,” Yeboah stated, expressing strong disapproval of the court’s ruling. He criticized the decision as fundamentally flawed, resulting in what he described as a “grave miscarriage of justice.”

The Deputy Attorney General indicated that the appeal will focus on legal errors allegedly made by the appellate court, with the aim of having the Supreme Court overturn the acquittal.

On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal, in a 2:1 decision, acquitted Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa.

The ruling overturned a previous trial court order that required the two to defend against charges of causing a €2.37 million financial loss to the state in an ambulance procurement deal. While Justice Alex Poku Acheampong dissented, Justices Kweku Tawiah Ackah-Boafo and Philip Bright Mensah ruled in favor of the accused.

Attorney General Godfred Dame condemned the ruling as “perverse” and inconsistent with the substantial evidence presented by the prosecution, arguing that it undermines public accountability and the rule of law.

In response, Dr. Forson’s lawyer, Godwin Edudzi Tamekloe, expressed unwavering confidence in his client’s innocence and ultimate vindication, regardless of the Attorney General’s appeal.

“I’ve always believed in the innocence of my client [Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson], and I can tell you, whether Supreme Court or Antoa or Nogokpo, my client will be vindicated,” Tamekloe asserted, emphasizing his trust in the legal process.