The trial involving the Attorney General (AG) in the ambulance case has sparked significant controversy, particularly from Mr. Jakpa and Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who argue that the case lacks merit and is politically motivated.
Concerns have been raised about the AG’s meeting with a principal witness, which critics say undermines the fairness of the trial and damages democratic principles. According to the General Secretary of the Law Society of Ghana, Lawyer Sam Atukwei Quaye, the AG’s actions, which include allegedly pursuing the case for political reasons rather than based on merit, compromise the integrity of the justice system. He made these remarks during the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Quaye contends that the AG appears to be advancing a politically motivated agenda rather than ensuring a fair trial, which could erode the principles of freedom and justice.
In response, Richard Jakpa stated, “All I can say is that my enemies and detractors have been put to shame. I have been vindicated.”
The Court of Appeal recently overturned the trial court’s order for Dr. Forson to open his defense in the ongoing ambulance case. This decision followed the High Court’s dismissal on June 6 of Dr. Forson’s application for a mistrial and an inquiry into the AG’s conduct.
The trial judge had ruled that Dr. Forson did not provide sufficient legal grounds for a mistrial or an investigation into the AG’s actions.
On June 3, Dr. Forson had filed a supplementary affidavit in support of his motion for a mistrial, seeking an injunction and/or stay of proceedings. The affidavit referenced a leaked tape allegedly featuring a conversation between the AG, Godfred Yeboah Dame, and the third accused, Richard Jakpa. The tape reportedly suggested that the AG attempted to coach Jakpa to implicate Dr. Forson.
Dr. Forson’s legal team argued that this conduct constituted a serious breach of legal ethics and called for the case to be declared a mistrial. They emphasized that ignoring such misconduct could undermine public trust in the judiciary.
The Minority Leader’s appeal was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal in a 2:1 majority decision, resulting in the release of businessman Richard Jakpa, the third accused.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
