A lecturer at the University of Ghana Law School, Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, has advised the Attorney General not to pursue an appeal at the Supreme Court regarding the recent Court of Appeal decision that overturned the ambulance procurement trial.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Prof. Appiagyei-Atua stated that it would not be wise to appeal the Court of Appeal’s decision and suggested that the Attorney General focus on other cases instead.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling quashed the trial of Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa, who were accused of causing a financial loss to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances between 2014 and 2016. The court found that the accused individuals had no case to answer, overturning a previous decision by the High Court.
Attorney General Godfred Dame criticized the decision, calling it “perverse” and “grossly unfair to the nation.” He also announced that his office would file an appeal against the judgment.
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua highlighted the difference between acquittal and discharge, explaining that an acquittal and discharge indicates the case has ended, while a discharge alone leaves room for the case to be reopened.
While acknowledging the right to appeal at the Supreme Court, Prof. Appiagyei-Atua advised careful consideration of the nature of the case before proceeding further. He questioned whether the Attorney General’s decision to appeal was driven by personal emotions rather than legal considerations.
