In a significant development in the ongoing ambulance trial, the Presiding Judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe has admitted an audio recording involving the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame and Businessman and the third accused, Richard Jakpa into evidence.
Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, presiding over the case in court reiterated that her reasons for admitting the recording during the mistrial application remain valid.
She underscored that the admission of the electronic evidence aligns with the principles of fairness, noting that any electronic evidence presented by the prosecution would have been similarly allowed.
In her ruling, Justice Asare-Botwe dismissed the objections raised by the Attorney General, maintaining that the recording’s admission is crucial for a fair trial.
She emphasized the importance of allowing the defence to present all relevant evidence, particularly given the nature of the charges.
Argument to Support Audio Evidence
Lead counsel for Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader and former Deputy Minister of Finance under the erstwhile Mahama’s administration, Dr Aziz Bamba, highlighted that the 16-minute recording pertains to the agreement between the Ghanaian government and a subsequent Letter of Credit.
According to Dr. Bamba, the Attorney General’s conduct, as captured in the recording, suggests an oppressive approach towards the accused and undermines the trial’s integrity.
“What this audio indicates is that Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame who is the guardian of the constitution is seeking to subvert the same constitution, It is not his (Godfred Dame’s) role to be telling an accused person to accept his theory and that there would be no difficulty once his theory is accepted”
Dr Aziz Bamba, Lead Counel for Dr Cassiel Ato Forson
Dr Bamba further argued that the recording reveals procedural irregularities in the Attorney General’s handling of the case, casting doubt on the prosecution’s good faith.
He insisted that the audio is relevant as it challenges the legitimacy of the charges of causing financial loss to the state.
Objection to Audio Evidence
In contrast, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame vehemently opposed the recording’s admission.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice contended that the recording’s relevance to the case was insufficiently supported, arguing that it does not address the core elements of the alleged financial loss to the state.
He further accused Richard Jakpa of violating the Attorney General’s right to privacy by recording their conversation and questioning the ethicality and legality of the evidence.
Despite these objections, Justice Asare-Botwe’s ruling to admit the recording underscores a commitment to thorough judicial scrutiny and the defence’s right to present its case comprehensively.
The decision marks a pivotal moment in the trial, with potential implications for the charges against Dr Forson and the broader narrative of the case.
Revelations from Jakpa’s Cross-Examination
In another development, the third accused and Businessman, Richard Jaakpa disclosed in court that he had met the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame to have a conversation with him at late hours.
Mr Jakpa further disclosed that the two occasions he met the Attorney-General shaped his understanding of his role in the ongoing Ambulance trial.
He emphasized that in both of the meetings the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame categorically told him that he was not the target of the prosecution.
Mr Jakpa also added that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboh Dame disclosed to him that the primary target of the prosecution is the Minority Leader and former Deputy Minister of Finance under the erstwhile Mahama’s administration, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
“It was then he (AG) told me my brother, I am under pressure and I said, that is not my problem. Then he (AG) said the Finance Minister and the president are on my neck mounting pressure. They want this case to be finished by the first week in May
Richard Jakpa, third accused in Ambulance Trial and Businessman
He emphasized that the conversation he had with the Attorney-General made him cooperate with the prosecution, making him shared some sensitive information with Mr Dame, the Attorney-General.
Richard Jakpa, the third accused and Businessman made the following discoveries during his cross-examination by the lawyers of the Minority Leader, and the first accused, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson in the ongoing Ambulance trial.
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