Ato Forson Trial: Big Sea to Testify Today
Dr. Forson, along with Richard Jakpa, the agent of Big Sea General Trading LLC, face charges of willfully causing financial loss to the state and intentionally misapplying state property.
Hamed Sardashti, the Chief Executive Officer of Big Sea General Trading LLC, is expected to testify today via video link from Dubai in the ongoing ambulance procurement purchase trial.
Big Sea General Trading LLC, a company specializing in ambulance production, began shipping 200 ambulances to Ghana in December 2014, starting with an initial batch of ten, after securing a contract with the Ghanaian government.
In February 2015, the company hosted three key officials from the Ministry of Health at its production facility in Dubai. These officials, who are directly involved with Ghana’s ambulance service, were invited to address concerns raised in a post-delivery inspection report regarding the first ten ambulances shipped to Ghana.
The Ministry’s report noted specific aspects of the ambulances that required rectification and recommended incorporating additional features to meet the operational standards of Ghana’s ambulance service.
Mr. Sardashti’s testimony is expected to shed light on the case involving Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader of Parliament and former Deputy Minister of Finance, who authorized the Letter of Credit for the first 50 ambulances.
Dr. Forson, along with Richard Jakpa, the agent of Big Sea General Trading LLC, face charges of willfully causing financial loss to the state and intentionally misapplying state property.