The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has submitted an affidavit vehemently opposing the application by Richard Jakpa, the third defendant in the high-profile ambulance trial, seeking to have the charges against him dismissed.
Mr. Dame’s counter-application was filed at the High Court asserting that Jakpa’s request lacks valid grounds under the country’s criminal procedure and practice. In a strongly worded affidavit, the Attorney-General described Jakpa’s application as “a ruse and a desperate smokescreen” intended to derail his legitimate prosecution. Jakpa, along with other defendants, is accused of playing a significant role in causing a substantial financial loss to the state by allegedly purchasing ordinary vans and misrepresenting them as ambulances.
“That all persons are equal before the law and the Attorney-General’s constitutional responsibility to prosecute all crimes within the Republic cannot be injuncted in respect of some particular persons or any group of persons in Ghana.”
Hon. Godfred Yeboah Dame, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice
The Attorney-General further accused the accused and their associates of engaging in public theatrics aimed at discrediting the prosecution and casting doubt on the integrity of the court proceedings. Despite facing persistent insults and attacks on his integrity from individuals connected to the accused, Mr. Dame affirmed his commitment to maintaining utmost professionalism throughout the trial process.
“That the instant application is an extension of the public theatrics the accused persons have resorted to in a bid to discredit the prosecution of this case and cast doubt about the integrity of the proceedings in this Honourable Court, all of which the Attorney-General has so far observed utmost professionalism about, in spite of the persistent insults and abuse to his integrity by persons associated with the accused persons.”
Hon. Godfred Yeboah Dame, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice
Mr. Dame labeled Jakpa’s application as frivolous, vexatious, and a complete waste of the court’s time. He urged the court to dismiss the application and allow the prosecution to proceed without further impediments.
Upholding the Rule of Law
The Attorney-General’s firm stance in this case underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their status or connections, are held accountable for their actions. This case has significant implications for Ghana’s legal system and its commitment to fighting corruption and financial misconduct.
By challenging Jakpa’s application, the Attorney-General is reinforcing the principle that the law applies equally to everyone. This sends a clear message that attempts to undermine the legal process through baseless applications will not be tolerated.
The affidavit highlighted the need to protect the integrity of legal proceedings from external influences and public theatrics. The Attorney-General’s response suggests a zero-tolerance approach towards tactics that aim to discredit or manipulate the judicial process.
Despite facing personal attacks, Mr. Dame’s commitment to professionalism sets a standard for legal practitioners. His response demonstrated that legal proceedings should be conducted with dignity and respect, regardless of external pressures.
High-profile cases such as this are closely watched by the public. The Attorney-General’s actions may help bolster public confidence in the legal system’s ability to handle complex and sensitive cases impartially and effectively.
The firm opposition to Jakpa’s application may serve as a deterrent to others who might consider using similar tactics to avoid prosecution. It reinforces the idea that the legal system is robust and not easily swayed by frivolous claims.
The Attorney-General’s affidavit in opposition to Richard Jakpa’s application marks a significant moment in the ongoing ambulance trial. It underscores the commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served without fear or favor. The outcome of this case will likely have lasting repercussions on the legal landscape of Ghana, reinforcing the principles of equality, integrity, and professionalism in the pursuit of justice.
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