Ambulance trial: Richard Jakpa didn’t manufacture leaked tape – IMANI Boss
The Founder and President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has refuted claims that Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ambulance trial, doctored the leaked audio involving him (Mr Jakpa) and the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame.
According to Mr Cudjoe, the tape accurately captures the Attorney-General’s words.
He also expressed his surprise about the Attorney-General’s conduct as depicted in the tape.
“I’m surprised he perfected the act, went ahead coaching somebody, a gentleman [Jakpa] who now says that his conscience cannot allow him to be part of the Machiavellian type of arrangements to jail somebody willingly.
“I have said that this case is very stupid, excuse my language, political case. What was the point? You could see that it was clearly his intent. I’m hearing that he said to Jakpa that the former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and President Akufo-Addo are pressuring him, and he has to do something; hell no! I believe this story 100%.
“I don’t think Jakpa manufactured the tape. Jakpa is not a stupid man. I’m tempted to believe Jakpa more than the Attorney-General right now. There’s nothing that the A-G will say that I will believe him ever again. At this juncture, Jakpa rules. Jakpa might have asked at a point why are you determined to jail this guy [Ato Forson].”
He questioned the continued presence of the Attorney-General in his position and described the issue as a “grave matter.”
Richard Jakpa, the third defendant in the ambulance trial, testified under oath in his witness statement that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, had several conversations with him during which Mr Dame assured him of his innocence and guaranteed his acquittal.
Mr Jakpa alleges that the Attorney-General confided in him that his inclusion in the prosecution was a disguise to obscure the trial’s true objectives.
He asserted that Mr Dame initiated the action due to pressure from President Akufo-Addo and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to persecute Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who was deputy finance minister at the time and is now the Minority Leader.
This has since generated conversations among Ghanaians, with some people calling for the resignation of the Attorney-General.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is facing trial together with Mr Jakpa for allegedly causing a €2.37 million financial loss to the state over an ambulance deal.