Dr. Ato Forson, the first defendant in the ongoing ambulance trial, has instructed his legal team to petition the Chief Justice to televise the remainder of the proceedings.
This request was detailed in a letter from his lawyers, Aziz Bamba and Associates, to the Chief Justice on Thursday, May 30.
Dr. Ato Forson explained that the request was prompted by recent allegations of misconduct against Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame.
In light of these developments, Dr. Ato Forson argues that broadcasting the trial live would ensure transparency and uphold the principles of open justice, allowing citizens to form informed opinions and holding participants accountable.
In response, the Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has indicated that the Office of the Attorney General is in full support of the request by the first accused in the ambulance trial, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to have the case broadcast.
Alfred Tuah-Yeboah said that the Attorney General’s Office is in support of the demand, adding that if the request is granted, then the hearing of the case must be done on a day-to-day basis to allow for expedited adjudication.
Meanwhile, a High Court in Accra has granted a request by former National Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo for time to open his defence.
He was expected to open his defence on May 30, 2024, but his lawyer, Tony Lithur, said Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo is back in the country but the long-haul flight has aggravated his leg a little.
The lawyer said Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo informed him that he has difficulty walking because of the swelling of his legs and his doctor says he could walk with the aid of a stick to court within a week or two.
Mr. Ofosu Ampofo and a former Deputy Director of Communications of the NDC, Anthony Kwaku Boahen, are standing trial for allegedly conspiring to cause harm to the Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission and the National Peace Council in an alleged leaked tape.
They have both been charged with conspiracy to cause harm. Mr. Ofosu Ampofo has also been charged with two counts of assault on a public officer.
Director of Public Prosecution, Yvonne Obuobisa Attakora, who is prosecuting the case, confirmed seeing a doctor’s report indicating that Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo is unable to walk and consequently agreed to the request by a lawyer for the NDC’s former National Chairman to adjourn the matter.
Justice Samuel Aseidu accordingly adjourned to June 20 for Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo to open his defence.
