In a recent development at the High Court in Accra, a directive has been issued for the National Security to conduct an investigation into the origin of unauthorized audio recordings of court proceedings. The recordings in question pertain to the sitting on Thursday, June 13, 2024, and have been circulating on social media platforms.
The Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Atuah-Yeboah, brought this matter to the attention of the Court, prompting Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe to retire into chambers and summon the involved parties. Present at this meeting were representatives from both the prosecution and defense sides, including Deputy Attorneys General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah and Ms. Diana Asonaba Dapaah, as well as the Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Yvonne Attakora Obuobisa. The defense was represented by Dr. Abdul Basit Aziz Bamba and Thaddeus Sory.
Following this meeting, the accused individuals, Richard Jakpa and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, were also invited into chambers for further discussions. Upon reconvening, it was requested that the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, be present for a brief meeting by Thaddeus Sory.
Subsequently, Justice Asare-Botwe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an additional High Court judge, directed the National Security to investigate the unauthorized recordings. Furthermore, a caution was issued that if such actions persist, the Court may be compelled to conduct proceedings in-camera.
It has been reported that the Director of Public Prosecution is currently subjecting Richard Jakpa to scrutiny, with the Attorney General and his deputies in attendance. The case involves allegations against Dr. Ato Forson, the current minority leader in parliament, and businessman Richard Jakpa, who are accused of willfully causing financial loss to the republic amounting to 2.37 million euros through the purchase of ambulances. Both individuals have pleaded not guilty and are currently standing trial.
As this legal process unfolds, it is imperative to uphold the integrity of court proceedings and ensure that unauthorized recordings or dissemination of such recordings do not compromise the judicial process. The directive for the National Security to investigate this matter underscores the commitment to upholding legal standards and protecting the sanctity of court proceedings.
The outcome of this investigation and its implications for the ongoing trial will undoubtedly be of interest to all stakeholders involved. As developments unfold, it remains essential to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for due process within the judicial system.
-source Starrfm | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
