Richard Jakpa files application to strike out charges against him in Ambulance trial

The third accused in the ongoing ambulance trial, Richard Jakpa, has submitted a court motion asking for the proceedings against him to be halted or the charges against him dismissed.

On Thursday, May 30, his attorney Thaddeus Sory of Messrs @ Law Counsel turned in the application.

In the motion, Jakpa makes the case that the accusations and actions brought out by Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame are a misuse of the legal system and go against Ghana’s 1992 Constitution’s requirements.

He claims that by pursuing him without cause, the Attorney General is abusing his constitutional authority.

Additionally, Mr. Jakpa asserts that the Attorney General acknowledged in private discussions that he had no case against him.

This claim adds credence to Mr. Jakpa’s claim that the prosecution is unjustified and an abuse of power.

“The Attorney-General at whose instance the Third Accused/ Applicant is being prosecuted in the instant suit has brought the charges and instituted the proceedings in abuse of the process of the court and contrary to his constitutional obligations under articles 23 and 296 of the 1992 Constitution.”

Jakpa is requesting the court to allow him to testify to these matters and to be cross-examined.

“PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that this honourable Court shall be moved by THADDEUS SORY ESQ., of MESSRS SORY @ LAW Counsel for and on behalf of the Third Accused/Applicant herein praying the Court for an order; i. striking out the charges and accordingly terminating the proceedings against the Third Accused/Applicant or alternatively,

1. A stay of the proceedings before the Court against the Third Accused/Applicant.”

The third accused in the case, Richard Jakpa, stated last week that he was urged by the Attorney General to give a false statement against Dr. Ato Forson in court.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) made public a 16-minute phone tape that they claimed showed Attorney-General Godfred Dame and Mr. Jakpa speaking, in support of Mr. Jakpa’s claims.

According to the recording, Dame is heard advising Jakpa on what to say in court to implicate Dr. Ato Forson.

NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia claimed during a May 28 press conference that the recording revealed a coaching session meant to influence Mr. Jakpa’s testimony.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com