Prosecution of Minority Leader Ato Forson Needles – Bright Simons

Bright Simons, Honorary Vice President of IMANI-Africa, has criticized the prosecution of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in the ongoing ambulance trial, calling it “useless” and stupid owing to its premise.

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Prosecution of Minority Leader

Dr. Ato Forson, a former Deputy Finance Minister, is on trial alongside two others for allegedly causing financial loss to the state by importing 30 ambulances.

This is part of a 2012 contract between the Ministry of Health and Dubai-based company, Big Sea Limited, for the purchase of 200 ambulances.

The prosecution of the minority leader claims Dr. Ato Forson issued letters of credit without permission from his then-boss, Finance Minister Seth Terkper.

However, Mr. Terkper stated in court that he authorized Dr. Ato Forson to establish the letters of credit.

Despite this testimony, the trial continues, with the third accused, Richard Jakpa, currently under cross-examination.

Mr Simons has gone to social media, writing on X on Saturday, May 25, to express his thoughts on the situation.

Mr Simons is of view that the action is an attempt to silence the Minority in Parliament.

He emphasizes that letters of credit are not payments themselves, but rather assurances to honour or reject payment if specific conditions are met.

“I’ve racked my brains for aeons & still can’t understand why this fact so obvious to every business person isn’t clear to Ghana’s Attorney General. The case against the Minority Leader (prosecution of the minority leader) in Ghana’s Parliament for authorising an LC is INCOMPETENT. Not just bcos of this MP’s point.”

“But more importantly because of what an LC is. An LC is not a simple instruction to pay. It is a guarantee to honour or REFUSE payment if CERTAIN CONDITIONS are met/NOT MET.

This is a purely political prosecution to muzzle the opposition in Parliament. Luckily, it isn’t working,” he posted.

Mr Simons’ comments underline the trial’s broader political ramifications, implying that it is being used to undermine opposing voices.

As a result, the ongoing trial has generated a great deal of interest and controversy.

As Richard Jakpa’s cross-examination progresses, the discussion regarding the legitimacy and intentions behind the prosecution of the minority leader as well as the charges against him and the other accused grows.