Businessman Richard Jakpa on Tuesday, incurred the wrath of Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe.

Justice Botwe is hearing the criminal trial of Mr Jakpa, Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health Seth Anemana.

Lawyers for Dr Forson were questioning an official of Stanbic Bank, Henry Myles Mills when Mr Jakpa lifted his hand from the public gallery.

He told Justice Botwe he wanted to use the washroom.

The judge initially turned down the request but later signalled that he could use a facility within the courtroom where the holding cells are situated.

Mr. Jakpa went in for more than five minutes causing the judge to prompt his lawyer to check on him.

His lawyer shortly emerged with him. Justice Botwe then asked one of her clerks to send a sanitiser to the businessman who had now taken his seat.

Even before the Clerk got to Mr Jakpa, he waved his hand off in a manner suggesting she should take it away.

Justice Botwe who seemed to have noticed the gesture spoke directly to the accused person.

“Mr Jakpa, I asked them to bring it to you because I was told there was no soap there,”
she stated.

The businessman who was still seated replied loudly while making various hand gestures;

“You didn’t even want me to go in the first place, now you are giving me a sanitiser”.

Justice Botwe stopped him in his tracks and the next five minutes could well be summarised as a baptism of fire;

“How dare you. Mr. Jakpa, stand up. Even the seniors don’t talk to me that way. Who do you think you are?

"I don’t know how you people represent the proceedings to your clients. All sorts of commentary in the media space. This is what causes such disrespect.

"This disrespect is the first and last. Everybody gets up and says anything they like. I have a very good idea of where I sit. I sit in Moses’ seat, I am the standard.

"Nobody should think I will counter such disrespect. This is the last time you will be In contempt of the court and go home. Don’t try me, I won’t hesitate to use my powers if necessary”

Lead counsel for Mr Jakpa, Thomas Aubyn rose to his feet and offered an apology.

“My lady I am sorry”

The judge will have none of that.

“He is an adult, he does not need someone to apologise for him.”

The lawyer then left the seat reserved for lawyers and approached the businessman in the public gallery.

He touched his chest and urged him to apologise. Mr Jakpa then told the judge he was sorry.

Justice Botwe was not impressed.

“You are not sorry. You are an adult who can speak. You do not need someone to tell you to apologise. Everyone should take note, the media everyone, let it be clear that I will not tolerate any disrespect,” she stated.