Ato Forson pleads not guilty in financial loss suit, granted bail

A former Deputy Finance Minister during the Mahama administration, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who is standing trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in the procurement of some ambulances has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Dr. Forson, who is also the MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and two others, Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director at the Health Ministry and Mr. Richard Jakpa, a businessman, have been accused of willfully causing financial loss to the State, contravening the Procurement Act, and misapplying public property; for their respective roles in the purchase of some 200 ambulances under the Mahama regime.

The three, who appeared in court on January 28, 2022 pleaded not guilty to all the charges and have subsequently been granted bail with varying conditions;

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson was granted a self-reconnaissance bail to the tune of three (3) million Ghana cedis.

Mr.  Anemana’s bail conditions are two million Ghana cedis and three sureties, one of whom must be a public servant not below the rank of a Director.

Mr. Richard Jakpa was also granted a five million Ghana cedis bail with three sureties one of whom must be justified with documents of landed property.

The Financial and Economic Division 2 of the High Court presided over by Her Ladyship Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe, further ordered the three accused persons to deposit their passports with the Court.

The parties are to file their disclosures by February 8, 2022, and to return on February 15 for Case Management Conference.