Chief Justice Dismisses Jakpa’s Petition Against Trial Judge
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has dismissed a petition filed by businessman Richard Jakpa, who alleged unfair treatment and abuse of his rights by trial judge Afia Serwaa Botwe. Jakpa, the third accused in the high-profile ambulance trial, sought the judge’s transfer, claiming bias and mistreatment during the proceedings.
Jakpa alleged that he had been subjected to unfair treatment, including being heckled by the prosecution during cross-examination and denied basic human rights and privileges. He argued that these experiences suggested a presumption of his guilt by the judge.
However, the Chief Justice rejected Jakpa’s petition, stating that he had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claims. Jakpa expressed his surprise and disappointment with the response, noting that he believed the court recordings of the proceedings would substantiate his allegations.
“I got a response from the Chief Justice, a surprise response that I didn’t provide evidence so she cannot transfer the judge. She didn’t say what I am saying is not true,” Jakpa told JoyNews. “The evidence to what I am saying is in the bosom of the Chief Justice. There is court recording of all proceedings and she is in charge of the courts, so she could have just demanded the court recordings.”
Jakpa emphasized that his petition detailed numerous instances of perceived bias and violations of his rights, including being denied legal representation and access to the washroom during court sessions. He expressed frustration that the Chief Justice did not request the court recordings to verify his claims.
The Chief Justice’s decision came just hours after Jakpa publicly discussed his grievances on JoyNews, where he detailed his experiences and the content of his petition.
Despite the dismissal of his petition, Jakpa remains adamant that he has been treated unfairly and continues to assert that the judge presiding over his case is biased against him.