“Is God Unjust? Not At All”: Dr. Ato Forson’s biblical response to his acquittal in the ‘Ambulance Trial’

The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has issued a biblical response following his acquittal and discharge in a high-profile case involving an alleged financial loss of €2.37 million to the state over an ambulance deal.

Dr. Forson who declined comment to pressmen at the court premises after the ruling on Tuesday morning, rather went on ssocial media to share a Bible verse from Romans 9:14, stating, “What, then, shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!”

The Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged Dr Forson, who had been on trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state. 

In a 2-1 majority decision on Tuesday morning [July 30, 2024], the court ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Dr. Forson, who is also a former Deputy Minister of Finance.

Currently serving as the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and the Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Forson was found to have no case to answer. 

The court’s decision overturned the trial High Court’s earlier ruling that had required Dr. Forson to present a defense.

The acquittal follows Dr. Forson’s appeal against the High Court’s decision to dismiss his submission of no case. The Court of Appeal concluded that there was no basis for the High Court to proceed with the trial.

Background

The case dates back to 2009 when then-President Prof. John Evans Atta Mills announced plans to purchase new ambulances to enhance the National Ambulance Service. Jakpa’s company, Jakpa at Business, was designated as the local representative of Big Sea General Trading Limited, a Dubai-based firm, to supply the ambulances.

Parliament approved a financing agreement between the government and Stanbic Bank, with letters of credit issued in favor of Big Sea. However, the government later alleged that Jakpa’s company received payments for ambulances that did not meet specifications, resulting in a significant financial loss.

The trial, which has been ongoing for several months, involved extensive evidence and witness testimonies from both sides. The Court of Appeal’s decision has brought an end to the trial for Dr. Forson, while the implications for Jakpa remain to be seen.