The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has hailed the Court of Appeal’s acquittal and discharge of former deputy Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in the ambulance case as a victory for the rule of law.
Dr Forson and Richard Jakpa, who were both on trial for the case, were acquitted and discharged on Tuesday, July 30.
Mr Mahama in a Facebook post on Tuesday expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that it confirmed his long-held view that the case was a form of political persecution.
He pledged to appoint a fair-minded Minister for Justice if elected. This individual would work closely with the legal fraternity and the Judicial Council to implement reforms aimed at ensuring a truly independent judiciary.
“Good news from the Court of Appeal, acquitting and discharging former deputy finance minister Cassiel Ato Forson in the ambulance case. This is a victory for the rule of law and confirms my long-held view that the whole case was political persecution.
“This appeal was made some time ago when they filed a no-case petition before the court and the High Court rejected it so they went to appeal. So, it came as quite a pleasant surprise.”
“But it shows that we still have justice in this country, we can work to make the judiciary what we want it to be. I pledge to appoint a fair-minded Minister for Justice who will work with the legal fraternity and the Judicial Council to carry out reforms to ensure we have a truly independent judiciary we can all be proud of. #JusticePrevails,” Mr Mahama stated.