Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the main defendant in the ongoing ambulance trial, has petitioned Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to allow live television coverage of the remaining proceedings. This request was filed by his lawyers to the Chief Justice on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Dr. Forson explained on social media that the move aims to ensure transparency and open justice principles after recent allegations of misconduct against Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame. He argued live broadcasts would let citizens form informed opinions and hold participants accountable.
“Following the recent exposé about the alleged misconduct of Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, I instructed my lawyers to petition the Chief Justice for live broadcasts of all subsequent Ambulance Trial proceedings. This request upholds transparency and open justice, which are vital for a fair legal system,” he posted on May 30.
“The allegations against the Attorney-General are deeply concerning. If true, they breach public trust and threaten judicial integrity. These claims must be thoroughly investigated, and the public must witness the proceedings first-hand.”
About the Allegations Against Godfred Dame:
The opposition NDC provided evidence of supposed misdeeds by the Attorney General in the trial of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. The NDC accused Dame of unethical conduct after the third accused, Richard Jakpa, alleged in court that Dame met him to implicate Forson.
Jakpa claimed Dame wanted his cooperation to jail Forson, which Dame denied. The NDC played a 16-minute audio of Dame urging Jakpa to testify differently from his initial explanation clearing Forson.
In the recording, Dame is heard disagreeing with Jakpa’s account that Forson did nothing wrong with the LCs he signed for 200 ambulances in tranches of 50. Dame tells Jakpa his revised testimony won’t harm him since he’s not the Minister involved. But Jakpa insists he can’t go against documentation confirming the deal’s terms.
Dame also suggests Jakpa fabricate a medical excuse to travel.
View Ato Forson’s Post and Petition Below:
