The acquittal and discharge of the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and businessman Richard Jakpa, a third accused in the ambulance procurement trial, by the Court of Appeal on July 30, 2024, has generated reactions from some notable personalities.

The Court of Appeal, in a split 2-1 decision, granted the motion of no case filed by the Minority Leader Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa.

The two accused were standing trial for allegedly causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the State in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.

GhanaWeb has compiled a list of some of these notable Ghanaians and institution who have reacted to the ruling below:

1. John Dramani Mahama:

The former president, reacting to the news, said the ruling is evident of how the country's judicial system can work effectively in the carriage of justice.

“Good news from the Court of Appeal, acquitting and discharging former deputy finance minister Cassiel Ato Forson in the ambulance case. This is a victory for the rule of law and confirms my long-held view that the whole case was political persecution.

“This appeal was made some time ago when they filed a no-case petition before the court and the High Court rejected it so they went to appeal.

“So, it came as quite a pleasant surprise. But it shows that we still have justice in this country, we can work to make the judiciary what we want it to be. I pledge to appoint a fair-minded Minister for Justice who will work with the legal fraternity and the Judicial Council to carry out reforms to ensure we have a truly independent judiciary we can all be proud of,” he said in his post on X on July 30, 2024.

2. Ghana Bar Association:

The Ghana Bar Association criticized comments by the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, following the Court of Appeal’s ruling.

The association described Godfred Dame’s comments as unwarranted, which goes against the judicial principles.

The Public Relations Officer of the GBA indicated that the justice minister's choice of words was unwarranted.

Saviour Kudze asked that "assuming the decisions were made in his favour, would he be using such words?"

According to him, "He [Attorney General] is the leader of the Bar. We shouldn’t expect him to be using such words.

"You could say you disagree with the verdict of the court and you will take steps. I think that is what everybody does.

"But an official leader using such words, we take an exception to it,” he added on Tuesday.

3. Bright Simons:

The political commentator, who is also a vice president of IMANI Africa, expressed disappointments over Godfred Dame’s posture on the acquittal of Ato Forson.

According to him, the Attorney General is being driven by partisan interests and not national interest.

“I will be humble & admit it. I was one of the people who were mesmerised by Ghana's Attorney General when he was the Deputy. It was his dogged determination in pursuing the retrieval of the Woyome funds that earned my respect. I thought it was principle & national interest. Now I know better: he is driven by pure partisanship! National interest be damned. So disappointed,” he posted on X.

4. Edudzi Tameklo:

Lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe has asserted that the AG’s comment does not make him fit to address the Bar.

Furthermore, he said attempts by the AG to appeal the ruling by the Court of Appeal will not be upheld.

"I’ve always believed in the innocence of my client [Dr Cassiel Ato Forson] and I can tell you, whether Supreme Court or Antoa or Nogokpo, my client will be vindicated," he insisted.

5. Felix Kwakye Ofosu:

The former NDC deputy minister stated that the prosecution of the Minority Leader had no basis.

He believes it was a ploy to silence Ato Forson for being a critic of the government.

“There was never a basis for putting the Minority Leader on trial. It was a hasty decision taken by wicked men with the intent of silencing a vocal critic of this government who was taking them on at every turn on the economy. It was an absolutely senseless abuse of prosecutorial powers,” he wrote.

6. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor:

The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, sharing his views on the verdict by the court, inferred that the ruling was a representation that justice prevails.

“Nothing is to be done which creates even a suspicion that there has been an improper interference with the course of justice. Lord Hewart.

“A big Congratulations to the Hon. Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for your victory today at the Court of Appeal. God rules in the Affairs of Men,” he posted on X.

MAG/AE