The third accused in the high-profile ambulance procurement trial, Richard Jakpa, has described the Court of Appeal’s ruling as a significant victory for democracy and the rule of law in Ghana.
In an interview with JoyNews’ Latif Iddrisu, Mr Jakpa expressed his excitement and relief following the court’s decision, which he believes underscores the integrity of the judicial system.
“This ruling is a victory for all democracy-loving Ghanaians and those who hold sovereignty to the rule of law. It is a victory for all Ghanaians, not for me alone. It is also a victory for all those who were trained and saw that we needed integrity in the country and wanted us protected,” Mr Jakpa stated.
His comment follows a 2:1 majority decision quashing the Ambulance trial involving the Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, and himself for allegedly causing financial loss to the State.
Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, who is a representative for Big Sea, were accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the State in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.
The Court said the two have no case to answer, and therefore set aside an earlier decision of the High Court for the case to proceed, for which Richard Jakpa, the 3rd accused, has had to call a number of witnesses.
Mr Jakpa praised the Court of Appeal for its fair assessment of the evidence, stating, “I got my justice from the Appeal Court where there are men of integrity who looked at the evidence as it is and then they granted me my freedom.”
Asked whether he has plans to leave the country, Mr. Jakpa said he has no intention of leaving. “I am going nowhere. If I am traveling, it is purely to go and engage my international business partners to see how I can get things back on track,” he said, highlighting the adverse impact the prosecution has had on his business.
Despite the celebratory mood, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has criticised the ruling, describing it as “unfair” and detrimental to the rule of law. The Attorney General argued that the decision goes against established precedents concerning financial loss to the country and has announced plans to appeal the case.
Mr Jakpa, however, remains undeterred by the prospect of further legal challenges. He expressed readiness to face the Supreme Court if the Attorney General proceeds with the appeal.
“I am prepared for an appeal should Dame decide to go to the Supreme Court and appeal the case,” Mr. Jakpa asserted.
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