The Legal team of Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has denied media reports that he’s seeking a plea bargain deal to settle the ambulances case.
According to a statement signed by Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, the said reportage in the Daily Guide Newspaper, dated October 5, 2023, is completely false.
In a strongly worded response, Mr. Tameklo refuted the claims made in the publication.
“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.”
Importantly, the statement clarifies that Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has not made any such application to the court or the Attorney General Department for a plea bargain or out-of-court settlement. It highlights that Hon. Dr. Ato Forson has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings and has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
“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 statement also adds that the false publication may be an attempt to divert attention from recent events, notably the #OccupyBOG demonstration which was led by Dr Ato Forson and the Minority in Parliament.
In the interest of promoting transparency and integrity in journalism, the Minority Leader has called on the Daily Guide Newspaper to retract the false reportage.
“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.”
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