Richard Jakpa, a Ghanaian businessman currently on trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state, was dismissed from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in 2007 for “unsatisfactory conduct.” The details emerged during the ongoing ambulance trial at the Accra High Court.
Jakpa, who served as a Lieutenant in the military, was accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in an ambulance deal involving Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. During his cross-examination on Thursday, June 27, 2024, Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah presented a letter documenting Jakpa’s dismissal from the GAF.
The letter, written on behalf of the Chief of the Army Staff by the late Brigadier General M.K.G. Ahiaglo, revealed that Jakpa was dismissed for consistent “fraudulent conduct, abrasiveness, and general indiscipline.” The document also cited his failure to advance in rank due to poor performance in promotional exams and persistent indebtedness to various individuals and institutions.
Jakpa’s lawyers objected to the letter’s admission, questioning its relevance. However, presiding judge Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe admitted the document into evidence, emphasizing its importance in assessing Jakpa’s credibility.
The dismissal letter detailed Jakpa’s troubled military career, noting his failure to advance in rank from Lieutenant to Captain and then Major. It highlighted his unsatisfactory service, marked by fraudulent conduct and indiscipline. One specific instance cited was his inability to repay a $300 debt to Recce Regt PRI, which had to be deducted from his salary.
The letter also referenced a 2004 special report by Jakpa’s Commanding Officer, which indicated that he had reached his ceiling in the military. His subsequent Commanding Officer described his conduct as “shameful and regrettable,” leading to the decision to release him from service.
The dismissal, carried out under Article 15 of the Armed Forces Regulations Volume 1 (Admin), cited Jakpa’s “continued lack of application or interest” and “unsatisfactory conduct.”
Jakpa’s dismissal from the GAF adds a significant layer to his current trial, highlighting a history of misconduct and financial irresponsibility that continues to follow him.
