- An unauthorized audio recording was circulated on WhatsApp
- The case has sparked public and legal scrutiny
- Dr. Ato Forson is on trial for causing financial loss to the state in an ambulance procurement deal
During the ongoing trial of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, accused of causing financial loss to the state in a €2.37 million ambulance procurement case, a Court of Appeals judge has directed National Security to investigate an unauthorized audio recording of court proceedings.
Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe issued this order following concerns raised by Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah Yeboah about the dissemination of a recorded session on WhatsApp platforms, as reported by thelawplatform.online.
The judge convened an in-camera meeting with counsels from all parties involved during the proceedings on Thursday, June 13, 2024. She explicitly cautioned against any further unauthorized recordings and advised journalists seeking records to formally apply instead.
Justice Asare-Botwe warned that failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in closed-door sessions, limiting attendance to the accused and their legal representatives.
The trial, which began on January 18, 2022, also involves former Ministry of Health Chief Director Sylvester Anemana and businessman Richard Jakpa. They face charges including causing financial loss, contravening procurement laws, and misapplying public funds, all of which they deny.
Recently, the state opted to halt proceedings against Anemana, who is receiving medical treatment in India. Ato Forson has contested claims that the procured ambulances fail to meet stipulated standards and are unfit for their intended purpose.
