Jakpa’s actions constituted misconduct – CDS confirm accused was not honourably released

The details of what constitutes misconduct on the part of a military officer was a major highlight when the subpoenaed Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, mounted the witness box to testify in the €2.37 million ambulance case against the Minority Leader and former military officer and businessman, Richard Jakpa.

In court on Monday, July 29, 2024, the CDS confirmed that the actions of Mr Jakpa, such as misusing a military vehicle in a manner that is not allowed, indiscipline, lackadaisical attitude and unprofessional behaviour as contained in a special report documented three years prior to the release of Jakpa from the military, constituted misconduct.

Aside from the actions that constituted misconduct, the CDS further confirmed to the court presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe that per the documents rendered by the Attorney-General in court, Jakpa, was not honourably released from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

The CDS’ testimony on Monday confirmed that of a July 18, 2024 testimony given by the Military Secretary, Air Commodore Nana Adu Gyamfi.

The Military Secretary and the CDS had both been subpoenaed to testify to the authenticity of the release report on Jakpa from the GAF.

The report was tendered into evidence by the prosecution led by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame in a bid to attack the character and credibility of Jakpa after he (A-G) accused the A-G of trying to influence him (Jakpa) to give false testimony, an allegation which had been vehemently denied by the A-G.