Ghana: Ambulance Case - Court Admits Into Evidence Jakpa's Letter of Dismissal From the Military

During the course of this trial, the prosecution has maintained that Jakpa was sacked from the army - an action they say is a dent on his character and speaks to a pattern of behaviour that could be contextualised in the ongoing trial

The High Court has admitted into evidence a 2007 letter stating grounds for the dismissal of Richard Jakpa, (the third accused person in the ambulance purchase trial) from the Ghana army.

The judge, Justice Afia Asare Botwe said the letter is admitted to prove its credibility or otherwise, although defence lawyers had objected to its relevance to the case.

During the course of this trial, the prosecution has maintained that Jakpa was sacked from the army - an action they say is a dent on his character and speaks to a pattern of behaviour that could be contextualised in the ongoing trial.

Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah who began the cross-examination earlier today, argued that Jakpa's dismissal for "misconduct" makes the reliability and trustworthiness of his testimony questionable.

Parts of the letter titled "Release from service for unsatisfactory conduct" were read in court, which suggested that Jakpa's termination was due to misconduct.

"Lieutenant Richard Jakpa is incessantly being indebted to various individuals and institutions and is a bad example to the service. Release from service for unsatisfactory conduct," the letter read.

Jakpa however said the attachment is alien to him.

Meanwhile, the cross-examination continues with the Attorney-General Godfred Dame asking the questions now. Prosecutors have already informed the court they tend to complete the cross-examination next Tuesday.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.