In ongoing proceedings at the Accra High Court, startling revelations have emerged regarding the discharge of Richard Jakpa from the Ghana Armed Forces. Air Commodore Nana Adu Gyamfi, Secretary to the Chief of Defence Staff, testified that the letter releasing Jakpa from duty did not specify an honorable discharge.

Jakpa, currently the third accused (A3) in the ambulance trial, sought the testimony of Air Commodore Gyamfi following allegations brought forth by the prosecution. According to Gyamfi, the release letter merely cited Jakpa’s departure from the armed forces due to “lack of interest and application,” without any mention of an honorable discharge—a customary inclusion for personnel leaving service under positive circumstances.

The court was informed that Jakpa faced multiple allegations during his military tenure, including professional misconduct, financial indebtedness, and failures in promotional exams.

These accusations were thoroughly scrutinized, with Jakpa allegedly failing to repay loans, mishandling deliveries entrusted to him, and accruing debts to both his unit and the Pay Regiment, totaling $700.

His conduct reportedly led to disciplinary meetings with superiors, further complicating his service record.

Air Commodore Gyamfi emphasized that Jakpa’s actions did not align with the standards expected of an officer.

He clarified that Jakpa’s service termination, as per military rules under Rule 2(a), was explicitly due to his demonstrated lack of commitment and application to his duties.

During cross-examination by Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, it was revealed that despite the allegations against Jakpa, the discharge letter did not detail specific charges or the full extent of his alleged misconduct.

The absence of formal documentation regarding Jakpa’s supposed leadership role within the 2nd Independent RCCE Regiment in Sunyani further underscored inconsistencies in his military career history.

Legal counsel Thaddeus Sory, representing Jakpa, pressed Air Commodore Gyamfi on the absence of documented evidence supporting the allegations against his client.

Gyamfi admitted that such records would likely reside within Jakpa’s former unit, suggesting that further inquiries there might clarify the specifics of Jakpa’s disciplinary issues.

The proceedings have provided critical insights into Jakpa’s military background, forming a pivotal aspect of the larger ambulance trial involving Jakpa, along with Dr. Cassiel Baah Ato Forson, former Minister for Finance and Economic Planning.

The trial centers on allegations of financial impropriety related to the procurement of ambulances during the previous administration.

The court’s examination of Jakpa’s military discharge has highlighted the complexities surrounding his departure from the armed forces, underscoring the importance of clarity in military records and procedures.

As the trial continues, further revelations are expected to shed light on the full extent of Jakpa’s military and civilian responsibilities during the procurement process.