Court orders arrest of businessman Richard Jakpa

The High Court in Accra has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of businessman Richard Jakpa, who is on trial alongside former Deputy Minister for Finance Cassiel Ato Forson over the purchase of ambulances deemed unfit for purpose. The accused are facing charges of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment of crime, contravention of the Public Procurement Act, and intentionally misapplying public property. Despite maintaining their innocence, they have been granted bail, with varying conditions. Dr. Forson was granted GHc3 million self-reconnaissance bail, while Anemana was granted GHc1 million bail with three sureties, one of whom must be a public servant not below the rank of Director. Mr. Jakpa was granted a GHc5 million bail with similar conditions.

Mr. Jakpa, the third accused person, opened his defense on March 19, 2024, but failed to appear in court on March 21 for further testimony. The court deemed his submitted medical certificate as insufficient, as it did not specify the medical condition for which he was excused from attending the proceedings. The judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, expressed concern that Mr. Jakpa had recently dispensed with his lawyer and had not yet secured new legal representation. Consequently, the court issued a warrant for his arrest, emphasizing the need for proper documentation and communication in legal proceedings.

The case against Mr. Jakpa, Dr. Ato Forson, and Sylvester Anemana revolves around allegations of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state through a contract to purchase 200 ambulances for the Ministry of Health. Despite the denial of guilt by the accused, the court is proceeding with the trial. The absence of Mr. Jakpa from court proceedings, combined with the insufficient medical certificate submitted, led the judge to take the step of issuing a warrant for his arrest to ensure his continued participation in the legal process.

Justice Asare-Botwe emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to proper legal procedures in the case, noting that the submission of vague medical certificates and lack of legal representation could not be accepted. The court’s decision to issue a warrant for Mr. Jakpa’s arrest was motivated by the necessity to ensure his compliance with the legal proceedings. The case has been adjourned to March 26, 2024, pending Mr. Jakpa’s arrest and the appointment of new legal counsel.

The unfolding events in the trial involving Richard Jakpa, Cassiel Ato Forson, and Sylvester Anemana highlight the importance of adherence to legal requirements and the obligations of the accused in the judicial process. The issuance of a bench warrant for Mr. Jakpa’s arrest underscores the gravity of the allegations and the court’s commitment to ensuring the proper handling of the case. As proceedings continue, the defendants will need to address the charges against them and cooperate fully with the legal process to determine the truth behind the alleged financial misconduct.