The High Court in Accra is set to make a crucial ruling on Thursday, June 13, 2024, regarding the objection raised by State Prosecutors against the submission of an audio conversation between the Attorney General (AG) and businessman, Richard Jakpa.
During a recent court session, the Prosecution, led by Mrs. Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), expressed strong opposition to the admission of the audio recording as evidence. The objection was raised after the audio was played in open court.
The presiding judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe, scheduled the ruling date after considering arguments from both the prosecution and the defense team representing former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
The DPP contended that the audio recording lacked a proper foundation for admissibility and asserted that it held no relevance to the ongoing trial. She emphasized that the recording did not contribute to establishing any decision related to the actions against the accused individuals.
In response, Dr. Abdul Aziz Basit Bamba, lead Counsel for Dr. Ato Forson, vehemently opposed the objection, labeling it as frivolous and untenable. He argued that the content of the audio was indeed relevant to the case and suggested that the Attorney General's actions amounted to subverting the constitution.
The absence of Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame during the proceedings raised questions about his involvement in the prosecution of the case. The judge advised him not to directly engage in the prosecution, prompting speculation about the reason for his absence.
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 through the purchase of ambulances. Both individuals have pleaded not guilty and are currently undergoing trial.
The development took an unexpected turn when Richard Jakpa accused the Attorney General of pressuring him during unusual hours to implicate the minority leader. This revelation added a dramatic dimension to the proceedings.
Notably, Dr. Sylvester Anemana, former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health and previously a co-accused in the case, has been discharged on health grounds following a nolle prosequi filed by the Attorney General.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the admissibility of the contentious audio recording and its potential impact on the case. The upcoming ruling on this matter is poised to significantly shape the trajectory of the trial.
The intricacies of this high-profile case underscore the complexities and nuances inherent in legal proceedings, and the forthcoming decision by the High Court is eagerly anticipated by all involved parties.
-source Starrfm | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
