The Court of Appeal has acquitted and discharged former Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and businessman Richard Jakpa.

The decision came from a panel of three judges in a 2-1 majority ruling.

The panel found that Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe's decision on March 30, 2023, requiring the accused to open their defense, was erroneous.

Justices Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo and Philip Bright Mensah granted the request for acquittal, while Justice Poku Acheampong, the presiding judge, dismissed their request.

The Court of Appeal's decision means that Dr. Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa are now free.

Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, who is a representative for Big Sea had been accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.