Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader, has denied media rumors that he has sought a plea bargain in the continuing ambulance issue.

These reports, according to the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, are the work of his adversaries aiming to destroy his image.

Dr. Ato Forson asked the public to dismiss these reports in a news release released on Thursday, October 5, noting that they lack any factual basis.

“The publication is without any factual basis and an attempt to court public disaffection to the person of Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.”

He further stated that he has not applied to the Honorable Court or the Attorney General's Department for a plea bargain or an out-of-court settlement.

Dr. Ato Forson stated that he is ready to defend himself and that he has already begun his defense in the ongoing case.

“The record would show that the Honorable Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has opened his defense 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.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Abdul Baasit Bamba, leading the legal team for the Minority Leader, had previously submitted a request for the judge to disqualify herself from the case. Dr. Bamba contended that it was legally improper for the judge to preside over the motion for her own recusal, citing concerns of partiality.

The judge had faced allegations of partiality from another defendant in the case, Richard Jakpa, who had clashed with her during a hearing. While the Chief Justice had indicated that the judge could continue handling the case, Dr. Bamba argued that the accusations of bias were serious and warranted consideration by a different judge.

He pointed to specific instances where the judge's remarks had unsettled his client and raised doubts about receiving a fair trial.

Read the minority leader's full statement below:

FALSE PUBLICATION

The attention of the Minority Leader, Hon Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has been drawn to a malicious publication on the front page of the Thursday, 5th October, 2023 edition of the Daily Guide Newspaper.

We wish to state that the said publication is without any factual basis and merely an attempt to court public disaffection for the person of Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. As the minority leader of Ghana’s Parliament, The Hon. Ato Forson values the role that the media plays in informing the public and fostering a sense of community. However, it is disheartening to witness the dissemination of information that appears to be driven by malicious intent rather than a commitment to truthful reporting.

The Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has not applied to the Honorable Court or the Attorney General Department for a plea bargain or any out of court settlement of the pending charges being prosecuted against him. Indeed, 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.

The lawyers for the 3rd Accused person have indicated their readiness together with their principal to settle the case and the Honorable Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has clearly indicated that he has no objection to the desire of the 3rd Accused to settle the matter without more.

The Honourable Dr Cassiel Ato Forson believes that this latest mischievous publication by the Daily Guide is basically to divert attention from the #OccupyBOG demonstration. The Honourable Dr Cassiel Ato Forson cannot be distracted by this calumny, as he remains focused for God and Country.

In the interest of promoting a healthy and constructive public discourse, The minority leader kindly requests that the Daily Guide Newspaper retracts the content in question and issue a public statement acknowledging the lack of substance in the allegations made against him. By doing so, you will demonstrate your commitment to journalistic integrity.

ENDS

Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq

(Member, Defence Team)