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The state has officially withdrawn its appeal against the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the case involving Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa.

This decision, made public today, effectively discontinues the state’s legal battle against the two men at the Supreme Court.

Background of the Case

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, a former Deputy Minister of Finance and current Finance Minister, along with Richard Jakpa, a private businessman, was standing trial over alleged financial loss to the state in the controversial €2.37 million ambulance procurement deal.

The case, which was initiated by the Attorney General’s office under the NPP government, accused the two of willfully causing financial loss to the state through the importation of 30 defective ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

The prosecution argued that Forson had authorized the letters of credit for the procurement without ensuring the necessary quality and due diligence.

However, the defense insisted that Forson’s actions were in line with his official duties and that he bore no criminal liability for the deal.

The case became highly politicized, with the then NDC Minority in Parliament describing it as a politically motivated attack against one of their key leaders.

The Court of Appeal in July 2024 acquitted and discharged Dr Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa after raising questions about the prosecution’s legal standing and the evidence presented. Following this ruling, the Attorney General’s office filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the judgment.

The state has now decided to withdraw its appeal following the appointment of a new Attorney General under the Mahama-led government, effectively ending the Supreme Court proceedings.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine filed a notice of abandonment of appeal at the apex court, tentatively discontinuing the appeal against the judgement of the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court.

This means that the Court of Appeal’s decision remains in effect, offering significant relief to both Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa.