The main defendant Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in the ongoing ambulance trial, has filed a request for a mistrial.
He based this request on recent events involving a leaked phone call between Mr. Jakpa and Attorney-General Godfred Dame.
In an affidavit filed on Friday, May 31, Dr. Ato Forson raised concerns about the leaked recording, suggesting it shows professional misconduct by the AG.
The recordings have been included as evidence in the filed application.
Dr. Ato Forson is appealing to the court for a mistrial to ensure justice is not only served but seen to be served fairly and impartially.
The Minority Leader argues that not declaring a mistrial under these conditions, where there is apparent disregard for legal and ethical standards by the Attorney-General, could greatly diminish public trust in the judicial process.
Background
During cross-examination, Richard Jakpa disclosed that he had been contacted by the Attorney General at odd hours to provide testimony against Dr. Ato Forson, the Minority Leader.
Ghanaians have been talking about this news, and some have even called on Attorney General Godfred Dame to quit.
The current minority leader and former deputy finance minister, Dr. Ato Forson, is on trial for allegedly having a hand in Ghana’s purchase of faulty ambulances.
At a press conference, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) played a 16-minute tape allegedly featuring a conversation between the Attorney General and Jakpa.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has refuted the claims made in the audio, asserting that it has been “doctored and manipulated” with malicious intent.