Ambulance Case: There was no financial loss to the state - 3rd accused tells court

The third accused is standing trial with Ato Forson and others

Richard Dzakpa, a businessman and the third accused in the trial involving Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, a former Deputy Minister of Finance, has said that none of the accused individuals played a role in causing financial loss to the state.

During his testimony in court, Dzakpa explained that the state accepted possession of the ambulances without any intention to terminate the contract.

He further noted that the government had fulfilled its commitment by making payment for the ambulance.

He maintained that all required accessories were delivered in accordance with the contract specifications, refuting any allegations of deliberate or malicious intent to cause financial loss to the state by the accused persons.

"It is clear from the particulars of the offence charged against me that the government has itself admitted that the ambulances were supplied to Ghana. The point here I make is that since it is admitted that the ambulances were indeed supplied to the government of Ghana, it cannot be honestly said that the government sustained financial loss when government: has accepted or taken possession of the ambulances and not indicated no intention whatsoever of terminating the contract.

"The government actually committed itself to performing the contract by paying for the ambulances as confirmed in the negotiated addendum to the contract," a report by myjoyonline.com said.

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Dr. Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health cum businessman; and Richard Dzakpa are standing trial in connection with the importation of some 30 ambulances into the country.

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb General News WhatsApp channel

Ghana’s leading digital news platform, GhanaWeb, in conjunction with the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, is embarking on an aggressive campaign which is geared towards ensuring that parliament passes comprehensive legislation to guide organ harvesting, organ donation, and organ transplantation in the country.

AE