July 30, 2024
The Court of Appeal coram Ackah Boafo and Bright Mensah JJA this morning, acquitted and discharged Richard Jakpa and the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam constituency, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson.
Background of the Case
The MP had been brought before the High Court on allegations of causing financial loss to the state in 2016. The case attracted nationwide attention and intense drama, leading to calls for the resignation of Attorney General Mr. Godfred Yeboah Odame over a controversial phone call which the accused counsel characterised as witness tampering.
The Appeal Court’s Ruling
In today’s decision, the appellate court found that Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe’s ruling for the accused to open their defense was erroneous.
This conclusion was based on the prosecution’s failure to meet the necessary standard to demonstrate a “viable case” before the High Court. Consequently, the appellate court upheld the accused’s application for a submission of no case, with a majority ruling of 2-1.
Implications of the Ruling
The ruling means that the Honorable MP, along with all the co-accused, are now free of the charges that had been levied against them.
Other Prior Facts
Earlier, the Mp the 1st Accused/Appellant who was dissatisfied with the initial ruling, filed an appeal on April 14, 2023. The 3rd Accused/Appellant lodged their appeal on April 17, 2023. The 2nd Accused/Appellant also appealed on April 18, 2024.
However, the case against the 2nd Appellant was discontinued during the opening of his defense on humanitarian grounds due to his need for an organ transplant abroad. Therefore, the 2nd Appellant is not part of this appeal.
Neizer Papa Nyan contributed to this article
