In a startling revelation at the Accra High Court, Air Commodore Nana Adu Gyamfi, Secretary to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), testified that Richard Jakpa, a key figure in the ambulance trial, was released from the Ghana Armed Forces without an honorable discharge.

This testimony contradicts claims made by Jakpa regarding the circumstances of his departure from the military.

Jakpa, the third accused (A3) in the ongoing trial, had subpoenaed Air Commodore Gyamfi to testify. The Secretary explained that the letter authorizing Jakpa’s release merely cited “lack of interest and application” as the grounds for his departure, rather than the customary indication of an honorable discharge usually given to retiring officers or those leaving service voluntarily.

During cross-examination by Godfred Yeboah Dame, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Air Commodore Gyamfi detailed several allegations against Jakpa during his tenure with the Army.

These included accusations of professional misconduct, financial indebtedness, and failure to meet promotional criteria. He disclosed instances where Jakpa reportedly borrowed money but failed to repay, mishandled deliveries entrusted to him, and accumulated debts within the Army.

Furthermore, it was revealed that Jakpa had been summoned multiple times before superiors due to these allegations, undermining his standing within the military ranks.

His conduct reportedly included instances where disciplinary actions were required, such as failing to return to his unit after examinations and improperly retaining military assets outside barracks.

Despite Jakpa’s claims, Air Commodore Gyamfi emphasized that there was no documented evidence supporting Jakpa’s supposed leadership role as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Independent RCCE Regiment in Sunyani, as alleged by the defense.

When pressed by Jakpa’s counsel, Thaddeus Sory, Air Commodore Gyamfi clarified that Jakpa’s release from the Army was governed by military rules, specifically Rule 2(a), citing lack of interest or application as the reason for his departure.

However, he affirmed that there were no references to the detailed allegations brought forward by the prosecution in the official release documents.

The ongoing trial involves Jakpa, alongside Dr. Cassiel Baah Ato Forson, former Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, and Minority leader in Parliament.

They face charges related to causing financial loss to the country concerning the procurement of ambulances during the Mahama Administration.

The court proceedings have continued to unravel intricate details surrounding Jakpa’s military background and the implications of his alleged misconducts, shedding light on the complexities of the case and its broader implications for the accused.

As the trial progresses, further insights are anticipated into Jakpa’s military service and its relevance to the charges brought against him and his co-defendants in this high-profile case.