Lawyer Samuel Atukwei Quaye, General Secretary of the Law Society of Ghana, has praised the Court of Appeal’s recent verdict in favor of Minority Leader and former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and businessman Richard Jakpa. He described the outcome as a triumph for justice and democracy, asserting that it is not just a victory for Ato Forson and Jakpa, but for the people of Ghana as a whole.
Quaye emphasized that the principles of justice and sovereignty belong to the people, and it is inappropriate for any single individual to undermine these principles. He criticized the Attorney General’s (AG) actions as politically motivated and detrimental to the country’s democratic values. Quaye made these comments during an appearance on Ahotor FM 92.3’s morning show “Adekyee Mu Nsem” with Citizen Kofi Owusu.
He stated that the AG, Godfred Dame, has no grounds to dispute the appellate court’s ruling, which found the state’s arguments insufficient. According to Quaye, Dame’s actions, including false accusations and failure to discontinue the case when it was initially challenged, have led to a misapplication of justice.
In a related development, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s defense lawyer, Godwin Edudzi Tamekloe, has criticized the AG’s suitability to address lawyers at this year’s Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Conference. Tamekloe, who remains confident in Dr. Forson’s innocence, argued that the AG’s actions and statements have disqualified him from speaking at the event.
Tamekloe contends that the AG has been involved in persecuting Dr. Forson, alleging that the initial instructions from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) indicated no wrongdoing. He also noted that Dr. Forson’s opposition to the Electronic Levy Bill in 2019 may have made him a target for prosecution.
On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged Dr. Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, overturning a previous trial court decision that had required them to present their defense. The trial court had accused them of causing a €2.37 million financial loss to the state in a case involving ambulance procurement. The appeal court’s decision was supported by Justices Kweku Tawiah Ackah-Boafo and Philip Bright Mensah, while Justice Alex Poku Acheampong dissented.
Following the ruling, AG Godfred Dame criticized the decision, claiming it was contrary to the substantial evidence presented and undermined public accountability and the rule of law. Despite this, Tamekloe remains confident that Dr. Forson will ultimately be vindicated, regardless of any further challenges to the ruling.
“I’ve always believed in the innocence of my client [Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson],” Tamekloe asserted. “Whether it’s the Supreme Court or any other forum, my client will be vindicated.”
Story by:Linda Yeboah
