Audio By Carbonatix
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.
Read also: Ambulance trial: I am confident I will come out victorious – Jakpa
"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."
Read also: Ambulance case: Court of Appeal acquits and discharges Ato Forson, Jakpa
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.
Latest Stories
-
Moody’s maintains Ghana’s rating at Caa1, revises outlook to positive
33 minutes -
Zambia elevates tourism education to national priority as President Hichilema backs continental summit
1 hour -
Activa promotes credit insurance to boost SME export growth
1 hour -
ILTM Africa 2026 opens doors to inbound and outbound luxury travel in Cape Town
1 hour -
“BP Soul Travel and Tours scored the highest marks” – Sports Minister Kofi Adams endorses agency for World Cup travel
2 hours -
‘At the age of 12, I was teaching people and collecting money from them’ – Forty Under 40 Awards
3 hours -
I broke my virginity at the age of 26 after university – Richard Abbey Jnr.
4 hours -
Sacked for fees, saved by faith: The untold story of Forty Under 40 Awards founder Richard Abbey Jnr
4 hours -
GCB Bank surges GH¢0.45, ETI gains GH¢0.06 as GSE ends week higher
5 hours -
Two teens jailed 55 years for robbery
5 hours -
UDS demands apology for MPhil student wrongly branded as Tamale robber
6 hours -
“We don’t sell fish!” – Tema Shipyard CEO hits back over dead fish discovery
7 hours -
Sam George defends anti-LGBTQ+ Bill as ‘national priority’ amid debate over gov’t focus
7 hours -
Artemis II astronauts safely back on Earth after trip around moon
7 hours -
Sam George unveils massive 1,150-cell site rollout to end network woes
8 hours