Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has affirmed his commitment to spearhead the prosecution in the ongoing trial involving the former Minority Leader of Parliament and another individual accused of causing financial loss to the state.
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Following a ruling on Thursday, June 6, 2024, by the presiding judge in the ambulance trial, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Mr. Dame was advised to step back from prosecuting the case amidst allegations of professional misconduct.
In response to the judge’s recommendation, Attorney-General Dame emphasized his intention to persist with the case, asserting that the judge’s advice was not binding but merely a suggestion.
“…The judge herself, even after her ruling, clarified that she has not given any such order at all but it is only advice, and what did you notice afterward? I am conducting the matter; I am still conducting the trial,” Mr. Dame stated during a media briefing following the ruling.
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The trial involves Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, former Deputy Finance Minister, and businessman Richard Jakpa, who are facing charges related to financial impropriety.
Dr. Ato Forson had filed an application for mistrial citing alleged prosecutorial misconduct based on an audio conversation between Dame and Jakpa.
However, the court dismissed the application and advised Dr. Ato Forson to seek redress from the General Legal Council if he wished to pursue the matter further.
Despite the judge’s advice to step aside, Attorney-General Dame remains resolute in his determination to see the trial through, emphasizing that the dismissal of all applications filed by the defendants underscores the strength of the case against them.
The trial continues amid heightened scrutiny, with the Attorney-General reaffirming his commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice is served.
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