The Accra High Court, in a noteworthy development, has received approval from the Chief Justice to establish a video link for the trial of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and two other individuals who are facing accusations of causing financial loss to the state.
This decision comes in response to the health condition of one of the accused, Dr. Sylvester Anemana, former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, who has been granted permission to undergo a medical procedure in India. In order to ensure that the trial proceedings move forward without undue delays, the trial judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, has opted for the use of a virtual link.
The accused individuals, Dr. Anemana, Dr. Ato Forson, and businessman Richard Jakpa, are facing charges related to the willful causing of financial loss amounting to €2.37 million to the state in a contract to purchase 200 ambulances. Central to the trial proceedings are questions surrounding whether the purchased vehicles met the requirements outlined in the approved purchase agreement, with allegations that they turned out to be ordinary buses lacking essential ambulance equipment. Dr. Anemana, who has faced multiple adjournments due to ill health, will now be able to join the proceedings virtually through the established video link, underscoring the importance of his active participation for the trial to proceed.
The case, which has been adjourned to February 20, 2024, brings to light the intersection of health concerns and legal proceedings, highlighting the challenges posed by the accused individual's medical condition. The decision of the court to utilize a video link reflects a pragmatic approach aimed at maintaining trial continuity while accommodating the unique circumstances of the accused individual's health needs.
-By Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
