Court to decide whether or not to include Jakpa’s tape as evidence today
The Accra High Court will make a decision today, Thursday, June 13, regarding the admissibility of an audio tape involving Attorney General and businessman Richard Jakpa as evidence in the ongoing ambulance case.
When attorneys defending Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson tried to enter the audio tape into evidence, it became contentious. The Attorney General contested the recording’s validity and applicability, objecting to this action.
Defense attorneys are re-presenting the audio recording that was originally admitted and played a crucial role in the trial judge’s June 6, 2024, decision to declare a mistrial. It serves as a vital foundation, they contend, for the accusations made against the Attorney General of defrauding the state financially.
Lead counsel for Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Dr Aziz Bamba, emphasised that the 16-minute recording borders on the agreement between the Ghanaian government and a Letter of Credit issued thereafter.
Dr Bamba asserted that the Attorney General’s conduct in the recording amounts to oppression of the accused, suggesting it undermines the integrity of the trial process.
He contended that the audio recording is pertinent as it indicates the case was not pursued in good faith, alleging procedural irregularities in the Attorney General’s handling of the matter.
In response, the Attorney General argued against the admission of the audio recording, asserting that its relevance is insufficiently supported.
As proof of its limited applicability to the case, the AG pointed to the trial judge’s prior denial of the mistrial application, which was mostly predicated on the recording.
The AG further questioned whether the tape addressed the crucial aspects of the claimed financial damage to the state, claiming that it provided insufficient evidence to support the accusations made against the accused.
In line with these accusations, the prosecution also claimed that Richard Jakpa had recorded the Attorney General’s talk in violation of his right to privacy.
In order to decide the next stages in this highly followed legal action, the trial will recommence when the court rules on the Attorney General’s objection.