Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, Chief of Defense Staff, and the Military Secretary are scheduled to testify this week in the ongoing trial concerning the procurement of ambulances for Ghana’s Ministry of Health.
Their testimony follows the prosecution’s submission of documents alleging that Richard Jakpa, a key figure in the trial, was discharged from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in 2007 due to unsatisfactory performance and failure to pass promotional exams.
Richard Jakpa, defending himself in the trial alongside Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and the Chief of the Ministry of Health, faces allegations of causing a €2.37 million financial loss to the state through a controversial ambulance procurement contract. The prosecution claims the ambulances acquired were unfit for purpose, resembling ordinary buses lacking essential medical equipment.
Jakpa’s legal team contends that the military documents introduced by the prosecution aim to undermine his credibility in court. In response, they have issued subpoenas compelling the attendance of Major General Oppong-Peprah and the Military Secretary to clarify the circumstances surrounding Jakpa’s military discharge.
The trial continues to draw attention as it unfolds, highlighting accountability issues and the proper use of public funds in Ghana.
