An Accra High Court has dismissed Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s request for a mistrial in the ongoing ambulance case.
This decision follows multiple applications filed by Dr. Forson and the third accused, Richard Jakpa. These applications included a request for an inquiry into the conduct of the Attorney-General (AG) based on allegations by Jakpa that the AG had been calling him at odd hours; a motion for a mistrial to terminate the case; a stay of proceedings until these applications are resolved; and a motion to strike out charges against Jakpa.
Dr. Forson, also the former Deputy Finance Minister, filed three of these motions, while Jakpa filed the fourth. In an affidavit submitted on May 31, Dr. Forson raised concerns about a leaked tape, which he argued showed professional misconduct by the AG. The recordings were included as evidence in the application.
However, the AG’s office countered by stating that these actions were attempts by the accused to avoid justice.
Today, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe denied the motion for a mistrial. She explained that Dr. Forson failed to provide any legal grounds justifying a mistrial or to adequately question the AG’s conduct.
Regarding the request for an inquiry into the AG’s alleged late-night calls to Jakpa, Justice Asare-Botwe ruled that this claim lacked legal merit.
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