Ama Forson freed after wrongful four-year imprisonment

Ama Forson, a 67-year-old food vendor, has been acquitted and discharged by the Accra High Court after serving four years and seven months for a narcotics offence she did not commit. Forson had originally been sentenced to 11 years in prison following an incident where a customer allegedly concealed illicit drugs among her belongings.

Her release was facilitated by the POS Foundation’s In-Prison Paralegal Programme, an initiative designed to help inmates identify legal irregularities and pursue appeals. The programme receives support from the governments of Ghana, the United States, and Canada. During a documentary premiere for Forson’s case, officials noted that the programme aims to provide justice for vulnerable individuals lacking the resources to hire private lawyers.

To assist in her reintegration, Charles Antwi Boahen, CEO of KAB FAM Ghana Limited, presented Forson with GH¢20,000 to restart her business. He also pledged to provide electrical appliances and support for her son’s education.