Concerns over judicial integrity have deepened following a formal petition submitted to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) by a Ghanaian citizen, Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta, urging a probe into alleged interference in the high-profile “Republic v. Cassiel Ato Forson & 2 Others” case.
In a letter dated September 29, 2025, Ofori-Atta has called on the CID to investigate Supreme Court Justice Yonny Kulendi and businessman Richard Jakpa over what he describes as attempts to subvert justice by influencing prosecutorial decisions in the ongoing trial.
According to the petitioner, Jakpa—one of the accused persons in the case—allegedly exploited a familial relationship with Justice Kulendi to manipulate the legal process. The petition claims that Justice Kulendi acted as an intermediary, engaging with former Attorney-General Godfred Dame in an attempt to weaken the state’s case or halt the prosecution entirely.
Ofori-Atta’s petition references specific court records and trial transcripts from proceedings held on June 6, 18, 20, and 27, 2024, which he says point to back-channel communications involving Kulendi and Dame, facilitated by Jakpa. He also cites the existence of 68 WhatsApp messages sent by Jakpa to the former Attorney-General as further evidence of behind-the-scenes coordination.
The citizen argues that the alleged conduct amounts to obstruction of justice and contravenes sections of Ghana’s Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). He is therefore calling for a criminal investigation and, if warranted, prosecution of all parties involved.
As part of his petition, Ofori-Atta has submitted supporting documentation, including the WhatsApp exchanges and court records, and has pledged to provide additional evidence to support the investigation.
The allegations raise fresh concerns about the independence and impartiality of Ghana’s judicial system, particularly in politically sensitive cases. Legal analysts say the CID’s response to the petition could have far-reaching implications for public confidence in the rule of law.
