John Dramani Mahama is certain the Appeals Court’s ruling on the ambulance procurement trial that acquitted and discharged Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and Richard Jakpa, the third accused, will boost investor confidence.
John Mahama says having a fair judiciary is one sure way of attracting investors since their trust in having a fair hearing in case of commercial disputes, will boost their confidence in the economy.
John Mahama, commenting on the Appeals Court ruling indicated that the decision which he never anticipated due to how long the appeal had stayed in court, made the ruling came to him as a surprise, also describing it as landmark.
In an exclusive interview with TV3’s parliamentary correspondent, Courage Komla Klutse, in Cape Coast Tuesday, July 30, 2024, after the ruling, John Mahama expressed his readiness to help create the kind of judiciary Ghanaians deserve.
“And I’m prepared to work with the judiciary to create the kind of judiciary we deserve. The judiciary is the last avatar in all the three arms of government when it comes to any dispute. And the judiciary creates an environment for investors to come.
“If investors believe that they can get a fair hearing in case of any commercial disputes or anything, they will come into your country. Unfortunately, the message that goes out there is that we’re able to manipulate our courts against investors. And so sometimes it sends a bad signal for investment,” he expressed.
John Mahama lauded the ruling saying “it shows that we still have justice in this country and that we can work to make the judiciary what we want it to be.”
The Appeals Court on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, upheld an application of no case filed by first accused, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson.
The order for Dr. Ato Forson to open his defence by the court in the ongoing ambulance purchase trial has been set aside by the Court of Appeal meaning the MP’s submission of no case has been upheld.
This decision overturned the previous order from the trial court, which required Dr. Ato Forson to present his defense.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling sets aside the trial court’s directive, delivered by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe, which had dismissed Ato Forson’s submission of no case.
Dr. Ato Forson had argued that there was no case for him to answer, but this submission was initially rejected by the trial judge.
The Court of Appeal’s decision now upholds Dr Ato Forson’s submission.
As a result, Dr. Ato Forson is no longer required to open his defense in the ongoing trial, marking a significant development in the case.
The High Court says it is not hearing the case in light of the decision of the Court of Appeal.
Meanwhile, a statement signed by the A-G Tuesday, July 30, following the ruling says “the verdict is inimical to the fight against impunity and abuse of public office.”
He has therefore declared his intention to appeal the matter.
A-G’s office to appeal verdict by Appeals Court on ambulance procurement trial
