A University of Ghana Law School lecturer, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, has advised against the Attorney General’s decision to appeal a recent Court of Appeal ruling at the Supreme Court. The ruling had quashed the trial involving Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa, who were accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances between 2014 and 2016.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story, Professor Appiagyei-Atua expressed his concerns, stating that pursuing an appeal in this case is not a sound decision. He emphasized that the Attorney General should focus on other cases instead of continuing with this particular one. “I personally don’t think that going to the Supreme Court for an appeal is a sound decision to take. In my opinion, the matter should rest after this decision by the Court of Appeal,” he said.
The Court of Appeal had overturned the earlier decision by the High Court, ruling that Forson and Jakpa had no case to answer. This verdict effectively quashed the trial, which had accused them of financial mismanagement in the ambulance procurement deal. Attorney General Godfred Dame reacted strongly to the Court of Appeal’s decision, describing it as “perverse” and “grossly unfair to the nation.” He argued that the ruling undermines public accountability and the rule of law, stating his office’s intention to file an appeal against the judgment.
Professor Appiagyei-Atua highlighted the distinction between acquittal and discharge, explaining that an acquittal means the case has ended, whereas a discharge leaves the possibility for the case to be revisited. He noted that while the legal process allows for an appeal at the Supreme Court, the nature of the case should be carefully considered before proceeding.
The law professor questioned whether the Attorney General might be too emotionally involved or overly fixated on prosecuting the Minority Leader. He urged a careful review of the situation, emphasizing the importance of legality and professional conduct in the decision-making process. “The Attorney General needs to review that carefully because it is a question of legality and professional conduct,” said Professor Appiagyei-Atua. He expressed his belief that the Court of Appeal’s verdict was fair and suggested that the Attorney General consider letting the matter rest.
