Judge admits Jakpa’s tape recording into evidence in Ambulance case

The Attorney General and businessman Richard Jakpa are featured on an audio tape that the trial judge in the current ambulance case let into evidence.

Today, June 13, 2024, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe entered the tape into evidence.

She cited the same justifications for admitting the recording in her June 6, 2024, mistrial application when defending her choice.

She claims that in the interest of justice, the pen drive containing the recording has been admitted because the prosecution would have been permitted to use any technological evidence.

Godfred Yeboah Dame, the attorney general, has objected to the recording, pointing out its basis and importance in the case.

This came about following an attempt by the attorneys defending Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson to offer the audio tape as proof.

The attorneys contended that the recording is an essential component of the Attorney General’s allegations that it caused the state to suffer damage to their finances.

Dr. Aziz Bamba, Dr. Forson’s lead attorney, informed the court that the 16-minute recording referred to the terms of the subsequent Letter of Credit and the arrangement between the Ghanaian government.

He said that the actions of the Attorney General during the recording amounted to oppression of the accused and that this further compromised the fairness of the legal system.

He emphasized that the audio recording is significant because it raises questions about the Attorney General’s handling of the case, including procedural errors, and shows the case was not pursued in good faith.

In response, Mr. Dame stated that the Minority Leader’s attorneys’ submission was not sufficiently supported in terms of its relevancy.

He cited the prior denial of the mistrial application by the trial judge, which was predicated on the recording, as proof of its limited relevancy to the case.

In addition, he said that the tape does not support the accusations made against the accused and questioned if it covers the crucial aspects of the purported financial loss to the state.

However, Justice Asare-Botwe, the trial judge, disapproved of the Attorney General’s position and acknowledged the recording as proof in her decision today.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com