AG-Jakpa tape: Ato Forson petitions CJ for live telecast of proceedings
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the main defendant in the ongoing ambulance procurement trial, has directed his legal team to request the Chief Justice to televise the remaining hearings. His attorneys formally submitted this request in a letter to the Chief Justice on Thursday, May 30th.
Dr. Ato Forson stated on social media that this decision was made in light of recent accusations of misconduct against the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
Last week, Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the case, alleged that the Attorney-General had pushed him to give false testimony against Dr. Ato Forson during the trial.
To support Jakpa’s claims, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) released a 16-minute phone recording allegedly capturing a conversation between Dame and Jakpa. In the recording, Dame is purportedly coaching Jakpa on what to say in court to implicate Dr. Ato Forson.
At a press conference on May 28th, NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia claimed that the recording exposed an attempt to manipulate Mr. Jakpa’s testimony.
Given these developments, Dr. Ato Forson believes that broadcasting the trial live will promote transparency and uphold the principles of open justice, enabling the public to form educated opinions and hold those involved accountable. He expressed his desire for transparency and impartiality in the legal system and emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating the allegations against the Attorney-General.