John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, emphasized that their commendation of the Court of Appeal for acquitting the accused in the ambulance trial does not imply a newfound assertiveness. In an interview with TV3’s Komla Klutse on July 30, Mahama reiterated that while the NDC has concerns about the judiciary, there are still fair-minded judges in Ghana.
Responding to why the NDC appeared vocal after the Court of Appeal’s ruling, Mahama stated, “It’s not that we’ve suddenly found our voice. Despite our issues with the judiciary, there are judges who are fair-minded. We’re not criticizing all judges. For example, I disagreed with the judgment that a birth certificate can’t prove citizenship, but we respected it.”
He also referenced the NDC’s election petition being dismissed and their respect for the court’s judgment, adding that as president, he never interfered with the judiciary. Mahama contrasted this with current allegations of judicial manipulation under the present government and expressed his readiness to work with the judiciary to ensure its integrity.
Mahama further discussed the acquittal of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, asserting that the ambulance purchase trial should never have commenced. He felt vindicated by the court’s decision, which he viewed as a testament to justice still prevailing in Ghana.
The High Court did not hear the ambulance case on July 30, following the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit Dr. Forson and Richard Jakpa. The High Court had previously directed Dr. Forson and two others to open their defense in the 2.37 million Euro ambulance case, but the Court of Appeal overturned this, citing insufficient evidence and criticizing the Health Ministry’s handling of the case. The panel of justices acquitted and discharged the accused, attributing any financial loss to the Health Ministry’s recklessness.
