The Attorney-General’s Department has tendered all 68 WhatsApp messages sent from the third accused person in the ongoing Ambulance purchase trial, Richard Jakpa to Godfred Yeboah Dame.
During today’s cross-examination of Jakpa, it was revealed that the Attorney-General Godfred Dame only responded twice to these messages.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mrs. Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa who led the charge on behalf of the state, questioned Jakpa about his previous interactions with the A-G. Jakpa admitted that he introduced himself to the A-G and obtained his number from his cousin, Justice Yonny Kulendi.
Jakpa also confirmed that he had not presented to the court the full exchanges between himself and Dame saying he only presented what he deemed relevant to his case.
As part of his response, he suggested that the other messages he sent which per the A-G is 68 in number are motivational messages among others sent by him to the A-G after receiving the number of the A-G from Justice Kulendi.
When the DPP sought to admit the WhatsApp messages as evidence, Jakpa’s counsel, Thaddeus Sory, objected. He argued that the defence needed more time to review the 68 messages.
Trial judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe inquired if Dr. Bamba, counsel for the first accused, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson also objected. Dr Bamba opposed it on the grounds that the messages were not printed in colour.
The court agreed to delay the admission of the WhatsApp messages until Thursday to allow the defence more time to study them.
Continuing her cross-examination, the DPP highlighted the assistance provided by the A-G to Jakpa at the request of Justice Kulendi, who sought help in securing Jakpa’s release after bail conditions were met. Jakpa confirmed he had called the A-G to thank him for facilitating his release.
The DPP questioned Jakpa’s credibility, noting his alleged insubordination in the military, dismissal from the Armed Forces, and failure to pass promotional exams five times since 2002.
Mr Jakpa strongly put in a defence to his credibility by offering evidence of his remarkable academic achievements both in Ghana and abroad and stated that his inability to pass those exams was a result of victimization and unfair treatment by his superiors.
The trial will continue on June 20, 2024, with further disclosures from both the State and Mr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
