Richard Jakpa, Director of Special Operations at Ghana’s National Security Secretariat, has formally accused former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame of attempting to manipulate his testimony in a high-profile corruption case. This accusation, lodged with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, alleges that Dame pressured Jakpa to falsely incriminate the current Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, in a case involving the procurement of ambulances. Jakpa’s petition details an alleged scheme by Dame to coerce him into providing false testimony that would implicate Forson, a co-defendant in the case. This alleged manipulation, according to Jakpa, involved direct instructions from Dame on how to answer questions during cross-examination, contradicting Jakpa’s own understanding of the facts. The petition paints a picture of an Attorney-General allegedly attempting to subvert the judicial process for political gain.
The case revolves around accusations of financial loss to the state stemming from the ambulance procurement process. Jakpa, along with Forson, was charged under Section 179(2) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). After the prosecution presented its case, the High Court ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Jakpa to answer the charges. It was at this point, according to the petition, that Dame began to exert pressure on Jakpa to testify against Forson. Jakpa’s petition alleges that this pressure escalated into a direct request to provide false testimony, effectively implicating Forson in actions Jakpa believed Forson had not committed. This alleged coercion, Jakpa contends, undermined the principle of fair trial and represented a blatant abuse of power by the then Attorney-General.
The petition describes a specific phone conversation between Jakpa and Dame, during which Dame allegedly instructed Jakpa on how to testify regarding Letters of Credit (LCs), a key aspect of the ambulance procurement process. Jakpa maintains that Dame’s instructions contradicted his own understanding of how LCs operate. Despite Jakpa’s disagreement, Dame reportedly insisted that this fabricated testimony would not pose any risk to Jakpa. This conversation, according to the petition, further reveals Dame’s alleged intent to manipulate the judicial process, even suggesting that Jakpa feign illness and obtain a false medical excuse to delay the proceedings until Dame could be present in court. This alleged attempt to orchestrate a delay, Jakpa argues, demonstrates a concerted effort to control the narrative and manipulate the outcome of the trial.
Jakpa’s refusal to comply with Dame’s alleged demands is central to his petition. He claims to have rejected Dame’s suggestions, recognizing them as unethical and potentially criminal. He now seeks a thorough investigation by the CID into Dame’s conduct, specifically regarding the alleged fabrication of evidence and the pressure exerted on him to perjure himself. The petition emphasizes the gravity of these allegations, particularly given Dame’s position as the former Attorney-General. Jakpa argues that such alleged actions erode public trust in the justice system and could have far-reaching consequences for the rule of law in Ghana. He therefore calls for accountability and for Dame to face the full legal repercussions if found culpable.
The petition’s detailed account of the alleged interactions between Jakpa and Dame raises serious questions about the integrity of the prosecution’s case against Forson. Jakpa’s allegations, if proven true, suggest a pattern of manipulation and a disregard for due process. The investigation requested by Jakpa is crucial not only for determining the veracity of his claims but also for safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s legal system. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the ongoing ambulance procurement case and potentially for other cases handled by the former Attorney-General. The public interest in this matter is undeniable, given the potential for high-level corruption and the erosion of public trust in the judicial system.
The CID’s response to this petition will be closely watched. A thorough and impartial investigation is essential to determine the facts of this matter and ensure accountability. If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to criminal charges against the former Attorney-General and potentially impact the outcome of the case against Forson. This case underscores the critical importance of an independent judiciary and the role of whistleblowers like Jakpa in exposing potential wrongdoing. The outcome will undoubtedly have a significant impact on public perception of the justice system and the fight against corruption in Ghana.
