The trial of former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and others for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in the Ambulance trial escalated on Tuesday, May 28, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presenting what it claims to be corroborating evidence to support explosive accusations made by the third accused, Richard Japkpa, against Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
During cross-examination last week, Jakpa accused the Attorney General of coercing him to provide false testimony against Ato Forson.
Spokespersons for Godfred Yeboah Dame have denied the allegations, asserting that all actions by Mr. Dame with Jakpa were lawful.
The Attorney-General has faced criticism, particularly from the NDC, which followed through on its promise to release secret recordings and chats between Jakpa and Yeboah Dame to substantiate Jakpa’s allegations.
In the alleged recording, the Attorney-General is heard suggesting to Mr Jakpa that accepting a particular argument regarding a Letter of Credit (LC) would not pose any difficulty for him.
“And it should not be difficult for you to accept because it doesn’t cause you any problems at all. It doesn’t give you any difficulty. You know, the Minister of Finance. So if you accept that, it doesn’t put you in any difficulty.”
This statement has raised concerns about the fairness of the judicial process.
The secret recording, obtained by newsalertgh.com, purportedly reveals a conversation involving the Attorney General, a Supreme Court judge, and Mr. Jakpa.
The Attorney-General’s remarks have been interpreted as an attempt to influence Jakpa’s testimony in the case against the first accused, Dr Ato Forson, a former Deputy Finance Minister and current Minority Leader, facing charges related to the procurement of faulty ambulances for Ghana.
