“Dame: ‘Tricks’ Won’t Surprise Me in Ato Forson Trial”
- Godfred Dame dismisses motion to dismiss ambulance case as "tricks".
- Dame opposes mistrial application, calling it a "smokescreen".
- Ato Forson's team alleges Dame's misconduct, seeks mistrial.
Attorney-General Godfred Dame has expressed his lack of surprise at the Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and co-defendant Richard Jakpa’s motion to dismiss the ambulance case. Dame believes that the defendants’ legal team is resorting to “tricks” to avoid prosecution.
Speaking to journalists after court proceedings on Tuesday, June 4, Dame quoted scripture, saying, “The Lord does not delight in the pleasure of the wicked…The righteous will always prevail over evil.” The Attorney-General had opposed Ato Forson’s application for a mistrial, arguing that it is unknown in Ghanaian law.
According to Dame, the application is a “smokescreen” to abort Ato Forson’s legitimate prosecution for actions that led to the State losing significant funds. Dame’s affidavit in opposition to the motion emphasized that no one has immunity from prosecution under Ghanaian law.
Lawyers for Ato Forson filed a supplementary affidavit in support of the motion, annexing a recording of a telephone conversation between Jakpa and Dame, as well as media reports alleging professional misconduct by the Attorney-General.
Ato Forson is seeking a mistrial, citing Dame’s alleged “reprehensible and unlawful conduct” and arguing that proceeding with the trial would be a “travesty of justice.”
The Minority Leader believes that if the Court disregards the allegations of misconduct, public confidence in the administration of justice will be adversely affected. The application for a mistrial is expected to be heard on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.