The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has extended his congratulations to Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, following the recent dismissal of charges in the ambulance procurement trial.
Speaking on the floor on Tuesday, July 30, Afenyo-Markin commended Dr. Ato Forson, stating that his victory in the ambulance trial is beneficial for the country’s democracy.
“I celebrate in your victory and you know how much it means to democracy in the country… Dr. Forson, congratulations. It is a hard-won victory; it is good for democracy,” he said.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s comment comes after the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged the Minority Leader and Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ambulance procurement trial.
He urged the Minority to respect the judiciary and its independence, regardless of the outcomes of future trials.
“I want to encourage you and your colleagues that it shouldn’t be that today you have won so the judiciary is independent…it shouldn’t be that you lose tomorrow and attack the judiciary,” Afenyo-Markin said.
The Majority Leader also called on the Minority to consistently uphold democratic principles and not selectively celebrate judicial decisions based on favorable outcomes. “Be able to take some of the punches,” he urged.
Additionally, he advised Dr. Ato Forson and his colleagues not to use Parliament as a platform to criticize the Attorney General, noting that the AG does not have the right to audience in the House.
Afenyo-Markin addressed concerns about the perception of the Supreme Court being seen as a body for handling partisan-political cases, asserting that it is not the case.
He emphasized that disagreements with the system should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels.