Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has criticized the ongoing trial of Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson in the ambulance case, stating that it is a form of “persecution”. Bagbin expressed his concerns about the trial during his visit to the family of the late former Majority Leader, Felix Kwasi Owusu-Adjapong. While he highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law, Bagbin argued that the trial against Dr Ato Forson is more like a “gamble” rather than a fair legal process. He emphasized the need for an unbiased and impartial legal system that allows the law to take its course. Bagbin remarked that although he supports the rule of law, the prosecution in this case appears to be prioritizing winning or losing over ensuring a just legal process. The trial involves Dr Ato Forson, Dr Sylvester Anemana, and businessman Richard Jakpa, who are being accused in relation to the importation of 30 ambulances. Former Finance Minister Seth Terkper testified in court, stating that he had authorized Dr Ato Forson to request Letters of Credit for securing the supply of the ambulances. On the hand, Speaker Bagbin urged the police administration to reconsider their decision and find an alternative location for the Fixing The Country Movement’s protest. Additionally, Mr Bagbin emphasized the need for peaceful and constructive dialogue between citizens and the government to address the concerns raised by the Fixing The Country Movement. He stated that protests and demonstrations are important tools for citizens to express their grievances and hold the government accountable, but they should be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. Mr Bagbin called on the government to listen to the concerns of the Fixing The Country Movement and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the issues raised. He emphasized the importance of finding common ground and working together to find solutions that benefit all citizens. However, Speaker Bagbin expressed his hope that the police administration would reconsider their decision and find a more suitable location for the Fixing The Country Movement’s protest. He urged all parties involved to prioritize peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement in order to address the concerns of the citizens effectively. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has tasked the Finance Committee to investigate an exposé by North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa which he terms the Kitchen Cabinet Scandal. According to Ablakwa, cousin to President Akufo-Addo and leading member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has been harassing officials of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to pay an amount of 187.3 million cedis to his client West Blue Company. The ranking member for the Foreign Affairs Committee argues that though the company is not entitled to the amount, Gabby in collusion with the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame and officials of the Ministry of Finance are putting pressure on GRA to effect payments. Addressing the media in parliament, Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed the Finance Committee will get to the bottom of the matter. The lawmaker charged officials of the GRA not to succumb to threats and intimidation to pay the said amount. Mr. Ablakwa questioned the silence of the finance minister on the matter since he made the scandal public. “We are saying that 48 hours after this exposé the silence of the Attorney General is too loud, the silence of the Ministry of Finance is too deafening and of course the silence of the master perpetuator, the ground master of the President Akufo-Addo’s kitchen cabinet, Gabby Asare Otchere Darko is definitely too loud. “We expect the Ministry of Finance to be accountable to the Ghanaian people and they own the Ghanaian people on this matter. We will not allow them to keep quiet and coil into their shelf,” the lawmaker stated. He continued: “We have brought these matters formally to the attention of Parliament and more specifically to the attention of the leadership of Finance Committee. We have had assurances from the Finance Committee of Parliament, particularly from the ranking member on Finance Committee that during the break they will be inviting GRA to look further into this matter.” Starrfm