Richard Jakpa, the businessman and third accused in the ambulance purchase case has acquired the services of another lawyer after dismissing the previous one due to disagreements over his defence strategy on the case.
On Tuesday when the case was called, the former representative of Big Sea Trading Ltd again failed to show up in court. His new counsel, Thaddeus Sory represented him.
Last week Presiding Judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe issued a bench warrant for his arrest as a precautionary measure since there was no formal way of relaying information to him after having earlier dismissed Thomas Aubynn as his representative and failing to turn up to continue his witness testimony.
Mr Sorry has been given two weeks to peruse the documents of his client.
Justice Asare Botwe additionally intimated that despite the recent development, the case would not proceed beyond May 31.
This was because the court had earlier set May 3 to deliver the judgement in the case involving the three accused persons.
Former Deputy Finance Minister and incumbent Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson together with Richard Jakpa, a private businessman are standing trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the republic in an ambulance deal in the sum of 2.37 million euros.
The Attorney-General filed a Nolle Prosequi to discontinue the case against the second accused, Dr Sylvester Anemana. Although no reasons were cited, the development came following deterioration of the former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health’s wellbeing since the case began in January 2022.
The case has since been adjourned to April 9.