Richard Jakpa and Godfred Dame
The third accused in the ongoing trial of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, insisted during court proceedings on Thursday, June 27, 2024, that the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, wanted him to testify in a way that would negatively impact the case of the minority leader.
According to myjoyonline.com, Richard Jakpa told the court that Dame was forcing him to adopt his theory of the case, which he refused to do.
He said that the Attorney General framed the narrative (his theory) in a way that supported the case of the state, rather than presenting what actually transpired.
He added that the AG's theory was not only suggested but strongly impressed upon him.
Jakpa is also reported to have said that he felt coerced into aligning his testimony with the AG's perspective, which he believed compromised the integrity of the investigation.
About the allegation against the Attorney General:
Richard Jakpa accused the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, of attempting to collude with him to make a case against the Majority Leader.
Jakpa claimed during court proceedings on Thursday, May 23, 2024, that the Attorney General called him at odd hours to get his cooperation.
He made these remarks when Dame accused him of protecting Ato Forson, threatening to reveal more if the Attorney General dared him.
At a press conference in Accra, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the NDC played a 16-minute audio recording of a phone call conversation between Godfred Dame and Richard Jakpa, on the day the third accused was supposed to testify in court.
In the recording, Dame is heard urging the third accused to testify in a manner that differs from an explanation given to him (Jakpa).
Before the AG's request, Jakpa explained that Ato Forson had done no wrong with the LCs he signed.
He could be heard telling the Attorney General that the contract was for the purchase of 200 vehicles with four LCs.
Godfred Dame then stated that the third accused should accept his explanation because it wouldn't cause him any harm.
However, Jakpa insisted that he could not grant Dame's request because there were letters that confirmed the arrangement in the contract.
Dame continued to ask Jakpa to accept his position because it would not cause him any problems, but the third accused insisted he was not going to say anything contrary to what he knew as the truth.
The High Court has admitted the tape into evidence.
BAI/NOQ
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