Abraham Amaliba, Director of Conflict Resolution for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame for causing financial loss to the state in the ambulance case involving Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Mr. Amaliba’s comments follow the Court of Appeal’s decision on July 30 to acquit and discharge Dr. Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s “The Big Issue,” Mr. Amaliba argued that the Attorney General’s refusal to accept a refund of 2.7 million euros from the company involved has resulted in unnecessary financial loss for Ghana. He claimed that the court case was a deliberate attempt to persecute Dr. Ato Forson.
The Conflict Resolution Director explained that the company had agreed to return the 2 million euros they received from the government, plus an additional 700,000 euros, and take back their ambulances. However, the Attorney General chose to pursue prosecution instead of accepting the offer.
Mr. Amaliba questioned the wisdom of the Attorney General’s decision, suggesting that accepting the refund would have been more beneficial for Ghana. He noted that prosecuting the case would only lead to additional financial burdens on the state, including feeding, clothing, and providing medical care for the accused.
“Jakpa has not signed any agreement with the government of Ghana. Jakpa is just an agent of a company that entered an agreement with Ghana. In the course of this matter, the principal agreed to pay back the money they collected from the government, which is 2 million euros, and added another 700,000 euros, making it 2.7 million euros, and then they would take back their vehicles. But you refused,” Mr. Amaliba stated.
“That, to me, is what I would call causing financial loss to the state on the part of the Attorney General. Today, with the ruling and the fact that the two accused persons are walking freely, wouldn’t it have been better for the AG to accept these 2.7 million euros and ask them to take their vehicles back? Wouldn’t Ghana be richer than you insisting on putting somebody in jail?”
