By Beatrice Oppon
Military Secretary at that Ghana Armed Forces Air Commodore Nana Adu Gyamfi was present in Court today to testify as first Defence Witness for Businessman, Richard Jakpa in the ambulance trial.
Mr Japka subpoenaed the Military Officer together with the Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah after documents of his release from the military was tendered as evidence by the prosecution in Court.
According to Air Commodore Adu Gyamfi, per the Military Regulations Mr. Jakpa was not released from the Military honourably.
The witness said available records show that Mr Jakpa was released from the Service based on alleged fraudulent activities and inefficiency. He said per the records, prior to his release, Mr. Japka was taken through formal and informal interviews but did not yield any results.
Documents tendered in evidence by the prosecution indicate that Mr Japka was indepted to the Service Pay office and a Lebanese. The exhibit also stated that Mr Jakpa refused to deliver items including money given to him by some Ghanaians living in Beirut until he was instructed to do so. The document further listed acts of indiscipline and unprofessional behaviour of the accused person.
After the witness was discharged, the Court set timelines for case completion. The Court set November 15, 2024 as tentative date for judgment. The hearing continues next Tuesday July 23, 2024 where former Minister of Health, Dr Alex Segbefia will appear in Court to testify.
The Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Oppong-Peprah and a former Deputy Controller and Accountant General Andrews Kufe will mount the witness box on July 25, 2024 followed by the Director of Ghana Ambulance Service and Julia Asante of Stanbic Bank on July 30, 2024.
The Speaker of Parliament is expected in Court on October 8, 2024 together with former CEO of the Public Procurement Authority Silas Mensah.
Mr Jakpa and Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson are standing trial for causing financial loss to the State in the purchase of some ambulances.
