Today, June 13, 2024, the High Court in Accra will rule on whether to admit an audio recording involving the Attorney-General and businessman Richard Jakpa as evidence in the ongoing ambulance case.
The Attorney-General had objected to lawyers for Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson attempting to submit the audio conversation between the third accused and Godfred Yeboah Dame as evidence.
The audio recording, which was previously admitted and played a crucial role in the trial judge’s decision on a mistrial on June 6, 2024, is now being re-submitted by defense lawyers.
They contend that the recording is a crucial piece of evidence for the charges of causing financial loss to the state against the Attorney-General.
Lead counsel for Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Dr. Aziz Bamba, highlighted that the 16-minute recording pertains to the agreement between the Ghanaian government and a subsequent Letter of Credit. Dr. Bamba argued that the Attorney-General’s behavior in the recording constitutes oppression of the accused, suggesting it compromises the trial’s integrity.
He contended that the audio recording is pertinent as it indicates the case was not pursued in good faith, alleging procedural irregularities in the Attorney General’s handling of the matter.
In response, the Attorney-General argued against admitting the audio recording, claiming it lacks sufficient relevance.
The AG pointed to the trial judge’s previous rejection of the mistrial application, which had been primarily based on the recording, as evidence of its limited significance to the case.
Additionally, the AG questioned whether the recording addresses the key elements of the alleged financial loss to the state, arguing it does not support the charges against the accused.
The prosecution supported this view, further accusing Richard Jakpa of violating the Attorney-General’s right to privacy by recording their conversation.
The court is expected to rule on the Attorney-General’s objection, after which the trial will continue to determine the next steps in this closely watched case.