In the ongoing ambulance procurement trial, Richard Jakpa, the third accused person, has vehemently refuted accusations that he approached Big Sea for the purchase of ambulances after receiving parliamentary approval.
During a tense cross-examination by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Godfred Yeboah Dame, Jakpa categorically denied the allegations, labeling them as entirely false. He clarified that Big Sea was already known to both the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance before parliamentary approval was granted.
Jakpa pointed out a crucial timeline discrepancy, highlighting that the agency agreement between Big Sea and Jakpa@business Limited was established on May 24, 2011. In contrast, parliamentary approval for the ambulance procurement was granted on November 1, 2012, more than a year later.
The third accused person in the trial emphasized that there was no inappropriate or untimely engagement with Big Sea following the parliamentary approval. He asserted that the Attorney-General’s portrayal of events was inaccurate and misleading.
Jakpa’s defense rests on the sequence of events and the pre-existing relationships between the parties involved in the procurement process. He maintains his innocence regarding any misconduct related to the ambulance procurement, stressing that all dealings were conducted within legal frameworks and established protocols.
As the trial progresses, stakeholders and the public await further developments to clarify the circumstances surrounding the ambulance procurement saga. The defense’s focus remains on substantiating Jakpa’s claims and challenging the prosecution’s assertions in pursuit of a fair and just legal outcome.