The third accused in the Ambulance procurement case, Richard Jakpa, narrowly escaped contempt of court after a brazen display of disrespect to the judge hearing the case.
The head of dispute resolution at Stanbic Bank, Henry Myles Mills, was testifying after being subpoenaed by the court to produce documents in relation to a term loan agreement between the government and Big Sea Limited in respect of the sale and purchase of the 200 ambulances.
While cross-examination was being done by lawyer for Ato Forson, third accused Richard Jakpa sought permission from the court to use the bathroom but was denied by presiding judge Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe.
He was eventually released to go use the washroom inside the courtroom with an escort.
A gesture of help by justice Afia Serwah who offered Richard Jakpa a hand sanitizer was met hostilely after he flared up at the court for the initial resistance to letting him use the washroom.
After a brief ruckus in the courtroom, Justice Asare–Botwe warned Richard Jakpa to never repeat such a disrespectful act or she would not hesitate to invoke the powers of contempt.
“How dare you speak to the court like that? This should be the very last time you will show disrespect to the court, if you do, I will fully use my powers.
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“Mr Jakpa, this is the last time you will be in contempt of court, next time you won’t go home. What you have done is contemptuous and disrespectful,” Justice Asare-Botwe cautioned.
Lead Counsel for the accused Thomas Aubynn apologised for his client’s action after which the accused person himself also expressed remorse and apologised to the court.
Richard Jakpa, a private business man, is one of two suspects together with former Deputy Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson charged with allegedly causing financial loss of €2.37 million to the state state in a deal to purchase some 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.
They have pleaded not guilty to five counts of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment to wilfully cause financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act and intentionally misapplying public property.
The case has been adjourned to June 22 after the witness was dismissed by the court.
Source:3news.com