The trial judge in the ongoing ambulance case has admitted an audio recording involving the Attorney-General and businessman Richard Jakpa as evidence.
Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe admitted the tape into evidence today, June 13, 2024.
In explaining her decision, she said she applied the same reasons for admitting the recording during the mistrial application on June 6, 2024.
According to her, the pen drive containing the recording has been admitted in the interest of fairness, since any electronic evidence by the prosecution would have been allowed.
The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has raised an objection to the tape, citing its foundation and relevance to the case.
This was after lawyers representing Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson attempted to introduce the audio recording as evidence.
The lawyers argued that the recording forms a crucial basis for the charges of causing financial loss to the state made by the Attorney General.
Lead counsel for Dr. Forson, Dr. Aziz Bamba, explained to the court that the 16-minute recording was in reference to the agreement between the Ghanaian government and a subsequent Letter of Credit.
He indicated that the Attorney General’s conduct in the recording amounts to oppression of the accused, adding that it further undermines the integrity of the trial process.
He stressed that the audio recording is relevant as it suggests the case was not pursued in good faith, pointing to procedural irregularities in the Attorney General’s handling of the matter.
Responding, Mr. Dame opposed the submission by the lawyers of the Minority Leader, saying that its relevance was not sufficiently supported.
He referenced the trial judge’s previous dismissal of the mistrial application, which relied on the recording, as evidence of its limited relevance to the case.
He also questioned whether the recording addresses the essential elements of the alleged financial loss to the state, arguing that it does not substantiate the charges against the accused.
But the trial judge in her ruling today, Justice Asare-Botwe, disagreed with the Attorney General and admitted the recording as evidence.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
