The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has made a passionate appeal to the Chief Justice to allow his request for a live broadcast of the ongoing trial.
A few hours ago, the former Deputy Finance Minister, through his lawyers, petitioned the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Esaaba Torkornor, to allow for a live broadcast.
The lawmaker opined that the live broadcast serves several important purposes, including the fact that it would ensure that the public has full access to the evidence and arguments presented in court.
“This would allow citizens to form their own informed opinions about the case and hold the participants accountable for their actions.”
In his statement, he noted that the elalegstions of fabrication of evidence and manipulation of the Judiciary by the Attorney-General are deeply concerning.
“If true, they represent a serious breach of public trust and a threat to the integrity of our judicial system. It is imperative that these allegations be thoroughly investigated and that the public be given the opportunity to witness the proceedings firsthand.”
He continued: “I believe that live broadcasting the Ambulance Trial is essential to ensuring a fair and just outcome. It is in the best interests of both the public and the legal system that these proceedings be conducted with the utmost transparency.
I urge the Chief Justice to grant my request and allow the public to witness this important trial firsthand.”
The Minority Leader says his request is in the interest of transparency and accountability in order to advance the course of justice for all parties in the trial.
The former Deputy Finance Minister is standing trial together with two others for allegedly causing a €2.37 million financial loss to the state.
Dr. Forson, who is also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, is standing trial with Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, and Richard Jakpa, a businessman, for allegedly causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for Ghana between 2014 and 2016.
The lawmaker and the other two accused persons pleaded not guilty to five counts of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment to wilfully cause financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act, and intentionally misapplying public property.
Below is the fulls statement from the MP
Transparency and Open Justice: Live Broadcast of the Ambulance Trial
In the wake of the recent exposé concerning the alleged misconduct of the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, I have instructed my lawyers to petition the Chief Justice for the live broadcast of all subsequent proceedings in the Ambulance Trial. This request is motivated by a deep commitment to transparency and open justice, principles that are fundamental to a fair and impartial legal system.
The allegations against the Attorney-General are deeply concerning. If true, they represent a serious breach of public trust and a threat to the integrity of our judicial system. It is imperative that these allegations be thoroughly investigated and that the public be given the opportunity to witness the proceedings firsthand.
Live broadcasting the trial would serve several important purposes. First, it would ensure that the public has full access to the evidence and arguments presented in court. This would allow citizens to form their own informed opinions about the case and hold the participants accountable for their actions.
Second, live broadcasting would promote transparency and accountability within the legal system. By making the proceedings accessible to all, we can help to ensure that justice is served fairly and impartially.
Third, live broadcasting would serve as a powerful deterrent against future misconduct. Knowing that their actions will be subject to public scrutiny, those involved in the legal system are more likely to uphold the highest ethical standards.
I believe that live broadcasting the Ambulance Trial is essential to ensuring a fair and just outcome. It is in the best interests of both the public and the legal system that these proceedings be conducted with the utmost transparency.
I urge the Chief Justice to grant my request and allow the public to witness this important trial firsthand.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
