Accra High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of businessman Richard Jakpa, who is currently on trial alongside former Deputy Minister for Finance Cassiel Ato Forson over the procurement of allegedly unsuitable ambulances.
Jakpa, the third accused individual, began presenting his defense last Tuesday but failed to appear in court on Thursday for further testimony.
He, along with Dr. Ato Forson and Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, are facing charges related to causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state through a contract to procure 200 ambulances for the Ministry of Health.
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges including causing financial loss to the state, abetting a crime, violating the Public Procurement Act, and misapplying public property.
While Dr. Forson was granted GH¢3 million bail, Anemana was granted GH¢1 million bail with three sureties, one of whom must be a public servant not below the rank of a director.
Jakpa, on the other hand, was granted GH¢5 million in bail with three sureties, one of whom must provide documentation for a landed property.
Jakpa’s absence in court on Thursday was attributed to a medical certificate, the details of which were not disclosed by the court.
However, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe deemed the reason for his absence unacceptable to the court.
According to her, “This is supposed to be a medical certificate, but it does not qualify as a medical certificate.”
She added that “the problem is that Mr. Jakpa does not have a counsel who I will tell something to go and tell him,” and “the only thing is that I will issue a warrant.”
“A document purporting to be an excuse duty from the …hospital was sent to the clerk of this court via WhatsApp,” the court said.
She said, “The medical certificate does not display what condition he is on admission for and is being treated for.”
Justice Asare-Botwe observed that the third accused terminated his legal representation two days prior and has not yet secured new legal counsel.
“This court will err on the side of caution and issue a warrant for his arrest,” Justice Asare-Botwe ordered.
The court has rescheduled the case to March 26, 2024.
Mr. Jakpa, who dismissed his attorney, has commenced his defense but has not yet retained new legal representation, as indicated in the court’s records.