A-G vs. Jakpa: The press release does not answer it - Samson Anyenini on gravamen of issue

Lawyer Samson Anyenini has given perspectives on a recent allegation brought against the Attorney General by an accused person in a high-profile financial crimes case before an Accra High Court.

Richard Japka, the third accused person in the ambulance purchase case involving Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, alleged in court last week that the A-G had contacted him to implicate the Minority Leader.

According to reports, even though the A-G was in court, he did not immediately contest the allegations levelled against him.

His deputy subsequently issued a statement flatly denying that Godfred Dame had engaged in any unethical practices relative to interactions with any party in the case.

Anyenini, speaking on 'Samson's Take' on the May 25, 2024, edition of the Newsfile programme stressed that the press statement from the A-G's offie did not address the allegations that were levelled against Dame by Richard Jakpa.

"The Attorney-General is not only the principal legal advisor to government and lawyer for the country but also the Minister for Justice, a sacred place, not a place for political party persons.

"He is also the leader of the bar, the leader of lawyers and holds sensitive roles on boards and committees as well as serving as a representative of Ghana internationally.

"Let those who must do what it takes to safeguard professional integrity, personal conduct and practice and above all, the office of Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, criminal justice in this country, not let this matter slide.

"It is very consequential. I have seen the reaction by the release under the hand of the deputy A-G, those reactions, do not with the greatest respect answer any of the allegations made in court bordering on an attempt to pervert the course of justice," he submitted.

According to him, the excuse that any meetings were with respect to plea bargaining issues was still untenable because "the law is clear. You cannot do so without their lawyer," he stressed.

He said if as alleged, Jakpa was called at odd times and tasked to help the state implicate Ato Forson, "this is serious. The press release does not answer it."

Meanwhile, the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have served notice that they will present smoking gun evidence of Dame's misdeeds at a press conference in the coming week.

Samson's Take: Ambulance case; probe the allegations of perversion of justice. #Newsfile pic.twitter.com/h9YOhOXajj

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