Richard Jakpa, the businessman standing trial alongside the Minority Leader over an ambulance deal, provided an explanation on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, as to why the ambulances were deemed unfit for purpose.
“They (the ambulances) were not fit for purpose because a letter had been written instructing you [government] not to use them,” Jakpa stated to the High Court.
He detailed that the first 10 ambulances delivered were intended to be parked rather than utilized, as per the directive received.
The Ministry for Health was instructed to urgently clear and transfer the ambulances to a safe parking space.
Jakpa mentioned that his principal, Big Sea Trading LLC, was responsible for bringing in professionals to train government paramedics on the use of the ambulances and their equipment. He disputed the prosecution’s assertion that a post-delivery inspection found the ambulances unfit for use.
When questioned by the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, about whether the contract between Big Sea and the government received parliamentary or cabinet approval, Jakpa responded, “I am not in the position [to answer] because I was not at the Ministry of Health neither was I responsible for sending all these for approval. I can’t confirm that for the A-G because I don’t work at parliament and don’t know how they communicate their approval.”
The Attorney-General further presented a cabinet approval letter to ascertain if the contract for the ambulances was endorsed by the cabinet.
Jakpa reiterated, “I am not an MP and I don’t know how they communicate.”
