The High Court judge overseeing the ambulance case involving Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa has advised Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame to withdraw from the trial due to allegations of professional and prosecutorial misconduct.
This advice came after the court refused to order an inquiry and mistrial based on the misconduct allegations against the Attorney-General.
The court directed Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to seek redress with the General Legal Council if he wished to pursue the matter.
Despite objections from the Attorney-General, a phone recording between Richard Jakpa and the Attorney-General was accepted as evidence, even though the Attorney-General claimed it was inadmissible.
This is the first time a court has asked an Attorney-General to step down from a trial.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) released an audio recording allegedly capturing Godfred Dame coaching Richard Jakpa on court testimony, including instructions to discredit Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson.
This has led the NDC to question Dame’s suitability as the head of the Ghana Bar and his roles as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
Addressing the authenticity of the leaked tape, Jakpa challenged anyone disputing it to produce their own recording as counter-evidence.
In a JoyNews interview before the hearing on June 4, 2024, Jakpa expressed confidence in obtaining justice.
He stressed that his allegations are serious and should be addressed legally.
The tape’s release has sparked significant controversy and raised doubts about the integrity of the legal proceedings against Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who is charged with causing financial loss to the state over ambulance procurement.