Richard Dzakpa, a businessman and the third accused in the trial involving Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, a former Deputy Minister for Finance, has firmly asserted that none of the accused individuals played a role in causing financial loss to the state.
During his testimony in court, Mr Dzakpa, emphasized that the state accepted possession of the ambulance without any intention to terminate the contract.
He further noted that the government had fulfilled its commitment by making payment for the ambulance.
He maintained that all required accessories were delivered in accordance with the contract specifications, refuting any allegations of deliberate or malicious intent to cause financial loss to the state by the accused persons.
Mr Dzakpa’s testimony sheds light on the complexities of the case and underscores the importance of examining all relevant evidence to ascertain the truth. As the trial progresses, further insights are expected to emerge, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the matter at hand.
“It is clear from the particulars of the offence charged against me that the government has itself admitted that the ambulances were supplied to Ghana. The point here I make is that since it is admitted that the ambulances were indeed supplied to the government of Ghana, it cannot be honestly said that the government sustained financial loss when the government: has accepted or taken possession of the ambulances and not indicated no intention whatsoever of terminating the contract.”
“The government actually committed itself to performing the contract by paying for the ambulances as confirmed in the negotiated addendum to the contract.”
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is standing trial with two others for counts of causing financial loss to the state in the purchase of some faulty ambulances.
The case against the Minority Leader, Dr Ato Forson, is that he requested the letters of credit which formed the basis for the payment of the ambulances to the tune of €2.37 million without authorization, a claim he has denied.
The trial of the former deputy finance minister and the two others started on January 18, 2022, before the court presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Court of Appeal Judge sitting as an additional High Court Judge.
