A former deputy minister of finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has pleaded not guilty to “willfully causing financial loss to the Republic”.

The opposition lawmaker also pleaded not guilty to the charge of intentionally misapplying public property.

Dr Forson has been charged with two others; Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health; and Richard Jakpa, a local representative of Big Sea General Trading Limited, for causing financial loss to the state.

The two others also pleaded not guilty.

The accused persons appeared in court on Tuesday, 18 January 2022 and were granted bail.

Dr Forson was admitted to a GHS3-million self-recognisance bail while the second accused person was admitted to bail in the sum of GHS1m with three sureties and the third accused person was granted bail in the sum of GHS5m with three sureties.

The case has been adjourned to 15 February 2022.