The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has refuted recent media reports suggesting that he has sought a plea bargain in the ongoing ambulance case.
Denouncing these reports as malicious attempts by his detractors to tarnish his reputation, the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam MP urged the public to disregard the baseless claims.
In a press release issued on Thursday, October 5, Dr. Ato Forson emphasized the lack of factual basis for the publication and reiterated that he has not applied for a plea bargain or out-of-court settlement with either the Honorable Court or the Attorney General Department.
“The publication is without any factual basis and an attempt to court public disaffection to the person of Hon Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.”
“The Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has not applied to the Honorable Court or the Attorney General Department for a plea bargain or out-of-court settlement.”
He emphasized his commitment to defending himself, having commenced his defense in the ongoing case, and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, having pleaded not guilty to the charges.
“The record would show that the Honorable Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has opened his defence in the trial and has since called some of his witnesses.”
“The Honourable Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has throughout maintained his innocence having pleaded not guilty to the charges.”
In a separate legal move, the lawyers representing the Minority Leader, led by Dr. Abdul Baasit Bamba, filed an application urging the judge to recuse herself from the case.
Dr. Bamba argued that it was legally incorrect for the judge to preside over the motion for recusal, given the serious allegations of bias against her.
He highlighted the principle of law that mandates a different judge to handle such a motion in cases of grave allegations of bias.
Dr. Bamba expressed concern over certain comments made by the judge that had unsettled the politician and led him to believe that he might not receive a fair trial.
He underscored the gravity of the bias allegations and the need for a fair hearing, emphasizing that the current situation denied their right to a fair trial.
The legal proceedings in the case have seen several twists, including disputes over the judge’s impartiality, underlining the complexity and sensitivity of the matter.