Ambulance Case: Richard Jakpa was dismissed from military for unprofessional conduct- CDS

By Beatrice Oppon

Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah said records of the third accused person in the ambulance trial Richard Jakpa show that his conduct in the military smacked indiscipline, lackadaisical and unprofessional behaviour.

The Chief of Defence Staff was subpoenaed by Mr Jakpa after his final release letter from the Ghana Armed Forces was tendered in court by the prosecution to discredit the accused.

The Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame said he obtained the final release letter from the Minister of Defence.

The Chief of Defence Staff and Military Secretary have both denied involvement in the release of the said letter. Lieutenant General Oppong-Peprah explained that the document dismissing Mr Jakpa was also addressed to the Minister of Defence which kept him in copy.

The CDS said the Minister did not breach any rules by releasing the letter to the Attorney General because he is not under obligation to consult him before releasing any document. Lawyers for Mr Jakpa led by Thadeus Sory have been trying to establish that the accused was not released for fraudulent conduct as claimed by the prosecution.

Lieutenant General Oppong-Peprah agreed that a special report on the actions of the accused such as failure to settle his debt, misuse of military vehicles, consistent failure of his promotional exams and other offensive acts for which he underwent interviews culminated in his dishonourable release.

Mr Jakpa and Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson are standing trial for causing financial loss to the State to the tune of 2.37 million euros in the deal to purchase some ambulances for the country.

The trial continues on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

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