A 16-minute audio recording released by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sparked a political firestorm, alleging that Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame coached a key witness, Richard Jakpa, to implicate Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in a high-profile legal case.
The recording, purportedly featuring conversations between the AG and the witness, suggests that Jakpa was being instructed on how to frame his testimony to ensure Dr. Forson’s culpability. Dr. Ato Forson is facing charges of causing financial loss to the state in relation to the procurement of ambulances.
The release of this tape has raised significant questions about the integrity of the legal proceedings against Dr. Ato Forson. kumasi.city has summarized 10 key talking points from the controversial tape, which are:
- The NDC alleges that Attorney-General Godfred Dame influenced Richard Jakpa’s testimony to favor the prosecution’s case against Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson.
- The conversation began with discussions on ambulance contracts, Letters of Credit (LC), and financial procedures, with Jakpa explaining the payment terms.
- Jakpa clarified that the contract required irrevocable LCs for each batch of 50 ambulances, serving as financial security for suppliers.
- Dame expressed concerns about the conversation being recorded, which Jakpa tried to alleviate.
- Jakpa revealed that he had multiple meetings with Dame at Supreme Court Justice Yonny Kulendi’s residence to discuss the case.
- Jakpa implicated Anemana in the irregularities, stating that he authorized payments despite issues raised by Ghana International Bank.
- The conversation touched on a letter from former Finance Minister Seth Terkper regarding the suspension of production, which was later overridden by a legal opinion from the Attorney-General.
- Jakpa criticized the Health Ministry’s decision, made during Sherry Ayittey’s tenure, to waive pre-shipment inspection.
- Dame suggested that Jakpa use a medical excuse to delay court proceedings, which Jakpa acknowledged but expressed concerns about potential consequences.
- The conversation raises questions about the integrity of the investigation and the potential manipulation of evidence.
