Franklin Cudjoe, Founder and President of IMANI Africa, has refuted claims that Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ambulance case, doctored the leaked tape involving Attorney General Godfred Dame. 

Speaking in an interview on Citi TV, Mr Cudjoe asserted that the tape accurately captures the Attorney General's words.

He expressed his surprise at the Attorney General's conduct as depicted in the tape, emphasizing that it is unlikely that Jakpa would have fabricated such a recording. 

Mr Cudjoe defended Mr Jakpa, suggesting that the third accused is intelligent and not capable of manufacturing a false tape.

The leaked tape has raised significant concerns about the Attorney General's actions, and Mr Cudjoe's comments add to the growing discourse around the case. 

He urged for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure justice and transparency.

“I have said that this case is very stupid, excuse my language, political case. What was the point? You could see that it was clearly his intent. I’m hearing that he said to Jakpa that the former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and President Akufo-Addo, are pressuring him and he has to do something, hell no. I believe this story 100%.

“I don’t think Jakpa manufactured the tape, Jakpa is not a stupid man. I’m tempted to believe Jakpa more than the Attorney General right now, there’s nothing that the AG will say that I will believe him ever again. At this juncture, Jakpa rules. Jakpa might have asked at a point why are you determined to jail this guy [Ato Forson]."

Mr. Cudjoe urged those defending the Attorney General to cease their efforts.

He emphasised that this issue is not political but concerns the integrity of the country’s legal system.

“Some are saying he hasn’t done anything wrong, some are defending him, let’s stop this. Your Minister of Justice is actually coaching someone to fabricate a story in order to jail somebody else. Why? He told Jakpa to secure a fake medical excuse, that’s even damning, really?

“We’re getting to an election, people think this is an election matter, it is not, this is a grave matter, a very damning matter and I’m surprised the gentleman is still at post,” he insisted.

Background

Richard Jakpa, under cross-examination, revealed that the Attorney General had been contacting him at unusual hours to solicit testimony against the Minority Leader, Dr. Ato Forson.

This revelation has sparked discussions among Ghanaians, with some individuals calling for the resignation of Attorney General Godfred Dame.

Dr. Ato Forson, former Deputy Finance Minister and current Minority Leader, is currently on trial for his alleged involvement in the procurement of defective ambulances for Ghana.

At a press conference, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) played a 16-minute tape allegedly featuring a conversation between the Attorney General and Jakpa. 

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has refuted the claims made in the audio, asserting that it has been "doctored and manipulated" with malicious intent.