Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the primary defendant in the ongoing ambulance trial, has taken a significant step to ensure transparency and accountability in the legal proceedings. Through his legal team, Dr. Ato Forson has petitioned the Chief Justice to allow the live broadcast of the remaining trial proceedings.
This request, made in a letter to the Chief Justice on Thursday, May 30, comes on the heels of recent allegations of misconduct against Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame. Last week, Richard Jakpa, a key witness in the trial, claimed that the Attorney-General had encouraged him to provide false testimony against Dr. Ato Forson.
In support of Jakpa’s allegations, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) released a 16-minute recording purportedly capturing a conversation between Dame and Jakpa. The recording allegedly reveals Dame coaching Jakpa on what statements to make in court to incriminate Dr. Ato Forson.
At a press conference on May 28, NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah asserted that the tape exposed a coaching session aimed at manipulating Jakpa’s testimony. This development has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the legal process and the role of the Attorney-General.
In light of these developments, Dr. Ato Forson argues that broadcasting the trial live would ensure transparency and uphold the principles of open justice. By allowing citizens to witness the proceedings firsthand, they can form informed opinions and hold participants accountable.
Dr. Ato Forson took to social media to explain his decision, stating, “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.”
He continued, “This request is motivated by a deep commitment to transparency and open justice, principles that are fundamental to a fair and impartial legal system.” Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that the allegations against the Attorney-General are deeply concerning and represent a serious breach of public trust and a threat to the integrity of the judicial system.
He stressed that it is imperative that these allegations be thoroughly investigated, and that the public be given the opportunity to witness the proceedings firsthand. By doing so, the integrity of the legal process can be upheld, and citizens can have confidence in the outcome of the trial.
The live broadcast of the trial would allow the public to form their own opinions about the evidence presented and the conduct of the trial. This would be a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the legal process.
Dr. Ato Forson’s request for a live broadcast of the trial proceedings is a bold move towards ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done. It is now up to the Chief Justice to consider this request and ensure that the principles of open justice are upheld.
