Ambulance trial: A-G has engaged me at odd hours to implicate Ato Forson – Richard Jakpa

Attorney-General Godfred Dame

By Laud Adu-Asare

The third accused in the ambulance purchase trial, Richard Jakpa has accused the Attorney-General (A-G), Godfred Yeboah Dame of approaching him to help him implicate Minority Leader and former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

The businessman who was under cross-examination by counsel for the Minority Leader, had earlier been warned by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe to be direct in his responses rather than going around it and wasting the Court’s time.

Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame reacting to the judge’s caution accused Richard Jakpa of defending the Minority Leader.

This triggered the third accused who retorted that the Attorney-General appeared pained because he had engaged him to help the state make a case against Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

“The A-G has on several occasions engaged me at odd hours to help him make a case against A1 and I have evidence for that.. If he pushes me, I will open the Pandora’s box. I don’t understand why the A-G will accuse me of defending A1 when I’m here to defend myself, ” Jakpa fumed in court.

“If he pushes me, I’ll open the Pandora’s box. I have evidence to all this,” a visibly angry Richard Jakpa indicated to the court.

The countenance of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson changed as he looked shocked and angered by the development.

In a bid to douse the situation, Justice Asare-Botwe ordered Richard Jakpa to stop raising his voice and asked that water be brought to him.

But Richard Jakpa refused to drink after accepting the bottle, saying he was too upset.

The case was stood down for some time after the judge called the Attorney-General and lawyers of Ato Forson into her chambers for a meeting. This lasted for about 30 minutes.

The case has been adjourned to May 28 for continuation of cross examination of Richard Jakpa.