South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has called on the Judicial Secretary to issue a statement regarding the mention of a Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, in a leaked audio.
This tape purportedly captures a discussion between the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame and the third accused in the ambulance procurement trial, Richard Jakpa.
Dafeamekpor revealed that the meeting in question took place at Justice Kulendi’s residence, with the Attorney-General attending at Kulendi’s request.
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana B claimed that the full recording would exonerate the Attorney-General, proving he never instructed Mr. Jakpa to alter his testimony.
Expressing concern over the judiciary’s integrity, Dafeamekpor emphasized the need for transparency to maintain public trust. He stated, “The Judicial Secretary must issue a statement regarding the alleged role of Justice Kulendi in what is now being termed ‘Damegate’.”
The MP’s demand follows the release of a 16-minute recording by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on May 28. The content suggests the Attorney-General tried to recruit Jakpa to falsely implicate Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson.
These revelations come after allegations by Jakpa that the Attorney-General had repeatedly urged him to provide false testimony against Dr. Forson, who, along with Jakpa, is accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million in a deal to procure ambulances for the country.
NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, during a press conference, played the recording and warned that if President Akufo -Addo does not remove the Attorney-General from office, a future NDC government will take action.
Speaking on Onua FM’s Yen Nsempa show, May 29, Dafeamekpor stated, “If I were him, I would step aside. The allegation of attempting to influence the nature of evidence in a highly sensitive case involving a politically exposed person is serious. A prima facie recording warrants a thorough investigation to clear his name.”
Dafeamekpor suggested that stepping aside would allow independent bodies like the General Legal Council or a commission of inquiry to investigate without interference. He noted, “The Attorney-General is the government’s legal adviser. If a commission of inquiry is set up, the Attorney-General’s opinion would be required. There could be a conflict of interest, so stepping aside would ensure a fair investigation.”
He concluded that safeguarding the Attorney-General’s career and the office’s credibility requires addressing these allegations transparently.
Related article:
Audio: Alleged conversation between Richard Jakpa and Attorney-General Godfred Dame
By Daakyehene Nana Yaw Asante
