WhatsApp exchanges between Jakpa and AG could affect credibility if… says Alexander Abban

Private legal practitioner Alexander Abban has highlighted the potential impact of a WhatsApp conversations between Richard Jakpa and Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame on the credibility of both parties in the ongoing ambulance trial.

His comment comes as the court recently admitted the full exchange of 68 messages into evidence in the case involving a controversial €2.37 million ambulance deal.

Jakpa, who is charged alongside Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson, has been accused of causing financial loss to the state. The WhatsApp messages have been scrutinised as Jakpa only presented a portion he deemed relevant, raising questions about their completeness and authenticity.

Abban, speaking on the Big Bulletin on Thursday (20 June), pointed out that while the messages may not directly influence the court’s decision on the financial loss allegations, they could significantly affect the credibility of Jakpa and, by extension, the Attorney General.

“Even though it may not have real relevance to the determination of the real issue before the court, it is going to be an issue of credibility for the accused person and tangentially for the attorney general,” Abban stated.

“[If] there is a conclusion that what Jakpa took to the court is doctored, as said by the Attorney General, then Jakpa would lose all credibility.”

Abban emphasised the risk both Jakpa and the Attorney General face by introducing the WhatsApp conversation into the trial.

He noted that the court will scrutinise their characters and truthfulness, especially since the messages have become a contentious point.

“The court will look at your character too since you yourself have made it an issue in determining whether you are a witness of truth or all other pieces of evidence you have given will be taken with a grain of salt,” Abban explained.

He added that while the content of the WhatsApp exchange might not directly aid in determining whether the financial loss occurred or if the ambulances failed to meet standards, it undoubtedly affects the perception of those involved.

“The content of that case and the WhatsApp message may not necessarily assist the court in determining whether financial loss was caused [or] whether what was brought as [an] ambulance didn’t pass the test, Abban said. “These conversations may not have any relevance to that but it will have an impact on the protagonist in this case. I mean, Jakpa and the Attorney General.”

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