The final day of Richard Jakpa‘s cross-examination by the Attorney-General in the ongoing ambulance trial witnessed intense exchanges between Jakpa and the High Court judge, Justice Afia Serwaah Asare-Botwe.
The confrontation highlighted Jakpa’s frequent repetitions and the judge’s efforts to maintain the trial’s momentum.
Throughout the cross-examination, Justice Asare-Botwe repeatedly urged Jakpa, CEO of Jakpa@business, to avoid reiterating points already covered.
She reminded him that his approach was slowing the trial, particularly when he referred to documents already submitted as evidence.
“Mr. Jakpa, please, you have already made reference to the document between Mid-Sea and the Honourable Agyemang Mensah. Allow the Honourable Attorney General…” Justice Asare-Botwe began, only to be interrupted by Jakpa.
“My lord, that is not the only document,” Jakpa retorted.
Justice Asare-Botwe insisted, “Mr. Jakpa, don’t worry. Even if you want to make references, and you don’t, the addresses are there to direct the court to all the possible exhibits the court should look at. Allow the Attorney General to ask his question.”
Jakpa responded, “My Lord, I understand you, but the issue is I’m in the box, and I have to answer them.”
The judge, clearly frustrated, said, “Mr. Jakpa, it looks like you don’t want to listen to anything.”
Jakpa replied, “My Lord, I thought I wasn’t being treated fairly.”
Justice Asare-Botwe responded sharply, “You’ve said that many times, and I have heard you. I have already insisted that when it is quarter past three, the Attorney General should stop. It is only fair then that I give him the chance to ask his questions.”
Despite her efforts to maintain order, Jakpa continued to interrupt, prompting the judge to assert, “Don’t interrupt me. I would really appreciate it if you didn’t. I have already told you also that these documents you want to keep referring to are already in evidence. This is about the 20th time I’m saying it. Your lawyer will have the opportunity to refer to them at length in their addresses, so please allow him to ask the question.”
The day after this heated session, on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, Richard Jakpa petitioned the Chief Justice regarding Justice Asare-Botwe’s conduct. Jakpa claimed he had not been treated fairly throughout the trial.
“Right from the beginning of this trial until today, I have not been treated fairly at all by the judge. I am saying that because I have written a petition to the Chief Justice on this. So, I am not speaking out of a vacuum, and it is recorded. It is documented,” Jakpa stated.
In his petition, Jakpa enumerated various instances of what he described as bias, abuse of his human rights, denial of legal representation, and other grievances. “Even the right to visit the washroom and the judge at times engaging me as an accused in court when I am a witness,” he added.