In a statement to Joy News following Thursday’s court proceedings, where Richard Jakpa made several claims against the Attorney General, including a conversation in a WhatsApp chat, the Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, stated that the office is prepared to prove its case when it cross-examines Jakpa, the third accused in the ambulance procurement trial.
He declined to comment on Jakpa’s testimony, stating that they will also have their day in court.
Come to court on Tuesday and hear our side of the matter,” he said.
An audio recording between the Attorney General and businessman Richard Jakpa was accepted into evidence by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, the trial judge in the ongoing ambulance case, early on June 13.
She noted that the pen drive containing the recording has been admitted in the interest of fairness, since any electronic evidence by the prosecution would have been allowed.
The Attorney General objected, questioning the recording’s validity and applicability, and this is how the controversy began, with attorneys for Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson attempting to introduce the audio recording into evidence.
Defence attorneys are re-presenting the audio tape, which was previously accepted and had a significant role in the trial judge’s decision to declare a mistrial. They contend that the recording is essential to the Attorney General’s accusations of inflicting financial harm to the state.
Lead counsel for Dr Forson, Dr Aziz Bamba, emphasised 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 conduct in the recording amounts to oppression of the accused, while also undermining the integrity of the trial process.
Dr Bamba contended that the audio recording is relevant as it suggests the case was not pursued in good faith, pointing to procedural irregularities in the Attorney General’s handling of the matter.
The Attorney General countered that there was insufficient evidence to prove the recording’s significance and argued against its admission.
As proof of its limited applicability to the case, the AG cited the trial judge’s prior denial of the mistrial application, which was based on the recording.
The prosecution echoed these sentiments, additionally accusing Richard Jakpa of violating the Attorney General’s right to privacy by recording their conversation.
However, in her ruling on Thursday, Justice Asare-Botwe disagreed with the Attorney General and admitted the recording into evidence.
Meanwhile, Mr Tuah-Yeboah argues that the admittance of the evidence would not significantly impact the outcome of case.
He believes the audio does not contain enough evidence to guarantee that Richard Jakpa will win the case.