Ambulance Trial Resumes Chief Of Defence Staff Explains Why Jakpa Left The Military

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ongoing ambulance trial.

According to Lieutenant General Oppong-Peprah, Mr. Jakpa was released from the military due to a continuous lack of information or interest in his duties.

During his testimony in court, Lieutenant General Oppong-Peprah emphasized that the decision to discharge Jakpa was not taken lightly. He stressed that Jakpa's persistent inability to demonstrate the essential expertise and commitment to his role in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) ultimately led to his dismissal.

This clarification comes amidst the controversy surrounding a letter purportedly detailing Jakpa’s dismissal, which the CDS denied releasing to the Minister of Defense, Dominic Nitiwul.

In the ongoing trial, the Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, introduced the dismissal letter as evidence while cross-examining Jakpa. The letter, allegedly from the office of the Defense Minister, cited misconduct and breaches of military protocols as reasons for Jakpa's dismissal in 2007.

Despite objections from Jakpa's lawyers regarding the relevance of the letter, the presiding judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, admitted it into evidence, stating that Mr. Jakpa had acknowledged the document and could speak to its contents.

Lieutenant General Oppong-Peprah's testimony provided further insight into the rationale behind Jakpa’s dismissal.

He underscored that the Ghana Armed Forces sustain high standards and that personnel are expected to continually demonstrate proficiency and dedication to their duties.

Mr. Jakpa's failure to meet these expectations, according to the CDS, warranted his release from the military.

"The said former officer of the military, Richard Jakpa, was released based on lack of information or interest," he told the court.King Edward Ambrose Washman/