Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has described an application by Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the Ato Forson trial, to have the charges against him dismissed as frivolous, vexatious, and a complete waste of the court’s time.
In an affidavit opposing the application by Mr Jakpa, the Attorney General argued that Jakpa had not provided any valid grounds for the charges to be dismissed.
On Thursday, May 30, 2024, Mr Jakpa’s legal team requested the court to either drop the charges or halt the proceedings. In his sworn statement, Mr Jakpa alleged that Mr Dame had repeatedly assured him of his innocence and promised his acquittal. He claimed that Mr Dame told him his inclusion in the prosecution was a smokescreen to conceal the true target of the trial.
Mr Jakpa further alleged that Mr Dame initiated the prosecution under pressure from President Akufo-Addo and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, aiming to persecute Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who was the ranking member for finance and is now the Minority Leader.
But in his response, the Attorney General insists the prosecution is consistent with the country’s criminal procedure and practice. Mr Dame described Mr Jakpa’s application as a desperate attempt to avoid legitimate prosecution for his role in the purchase of the ambulances, causing financial loss to the state.
“I swear to this affidavit in opposition to the application as frivolous, vexatious, and a complete waste of this court’s time,” Mr Dame stated.
