High Court in Accra to Rule on Admissibility of Crucial Audio in Ambulance Case

Accra, Ghana – The High Court in Accra has scheduled June 13, 2024, to decide whether to admit into evidence an audio recording involving Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame and businessman Richard Jakpa in the ongoing ambulance case.

This decision follows the Attorney General’s objection to an attempt by lawyers for Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to introduce the audio conversation into evidence.

The audio recording, which was previously admitted and served as the basis for the trial judge’s mistrial ruling on June 6, 2024, is being reintroduced by the defense. According to Dr. Forson’s lead counsel, Aziz Bamba, the recording is crucial to the Attorney General’s charge of causing financial loss to the state.

Aziz Bamba argued that the 16-minute telephone conversation is significant because it centers on the agreement between the government of Ghana and the subsequent issuance of a Letter of Credit. He contended that the Attorney General’s conduct in the recording suggests willful oppression of the accused, asserting that it is inappropriate for the AG to propose theories to an accused person during an ongoing trial. Bamba concluded that the audio is relevant as it indicates the case may not have been pursued in good faith.

The Attorney General objected to the audio’s admission, arguing that no sufficient foundation has been laid for its inclusion. The AG pointed out that the sitting judge had previously dismissed the mistrial application, which was based on the audio recording, by assigning negligible weight to it, thereby questioning its relevance for the current proceedings.

Additionally, the AG argued that the tape does not address the charge of causing financial loss to the state and questioned the significance of the audio in preventing any crime.

The Prosecution further accused Richard Jakpa of violating the Attorney General’s right to privacy by recording the conversation without consent.

The trial will continue on Thursday following the court’s ruling on the Attorney General’s objection.

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