Jakpa drags former AG to CID over alleged evidence fabrication in Ato Forson’s case

In a fresh twist to the high-profile ambulance procurement trial, Richard A. Jakpa, one of the accused persons in the case involving Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has formally petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate former Attorney General, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, over allegations of evidence fabrication.

Richard Jakpa, who was the third accused in the trial “The Republic v. Ato Forson & 2 Others” (Suit Number CR/0198/2022), claims that Mr. Dame, while serving as Attorney General, attempted to coerce him into giving false testimony to implicate Dr. Forson.

Background

The case dates back to January 18, 2022, when Jakpa, alongside Dr. Forson and another accused person, was arraigned before the High Court (Financial Division) for allegedly breaching Section 179(2) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The charges related to financial irregularities in the controversial procurement of ambulances during Dr. Ato Forson’s time as a former Deputy Minister of Finance.

At the close of the prosecution’s case, the court upheld Mr. Dame’s submission that Jakpa had a case to answer.

However, Jakpa now contends that the then Attorney General sought his cooperation to fast-track the case by presenting testimony that would incriminate Dr. Ato Forson.

The Alleged Audio Recording

Central to Richard Jakpa’s petition is a leaked audio recording in which Mr. Dame is alleged to have asked him to falsify evidence during court proceedings.

Richard Jakpa insists that the recording captures the Attorney General suggesting that he skew his testimony on the issue of Letters of Credit (LCs)—a key element in the trial—in order to corner Dr. Ato Forson.

According to the petition dated 23rd July 2025, Jakpa recounts that on March 26, 2024, the Attorney General personally called him ahead of his scheduled testimony in court.

During the call, Godfred Dame allegedly urged him to adopt responses “not based on matters personally perceived” but aligned with the Attorney General’s instructions.

In addition, Richard Jakpa claims Godfred Dame advised him to procure a false medical excuse duty to delay proceedings until his return from an overseas trip—an idea Jakpa says he flatly rejected, describing it as “criminal, dishonest, and unethical.”

The Petition’s Demands

In his strongly worded petition, Jakpa appeals to the CID to give the matter “due and expeditious consideration,” warning that such conduct by a sitting Attorney General could “erode public trust in the integrity of the office” and even threaten the stability of the nation.

He emphasized that fabrication of evidence is a criminal offence, and therefore Dame’s alleged conduct should not go unexamined.

“The attempt by Godfred Dame for me to testify in a particular way so as to dishonestly implicate Hon. Dr. Ato Forson and to lie to the court constitutes a crime,” Jakpa stated.

Implications for Justice and Governance

This development adds a new layer of controversy to a case that has already attracted intense public scrutiny, not only for its legal complexities but also for its political undertones.

Dr. Ato Forson, now the Minority Leader in Parliament, has long argued that the prosecution was politically motivated.

The petition, if pursued, could raise serious questions about prosecutorial ethics and the use of state power in politically sensitive trials.

It also puts pressure on the Ghana Police Service and the CID to demonstrate impartiality in handling allegations against a former Attorney General.