The Vice President of the policy think tank, IMANI Ghana, Bright Simons, has published documents online concerning the regulations of the Ghana Armed Forces that outline procedures for officer discharge.

On Thursday, July 18, during the hearing of the ambulance procurement case, it was established by the Ghana Armed Forces that the third accused in the trial, Richard Jakpa, was not ‘honourably dismissed’ as stated by the prosecution earlier.

The prosecution on June 27, told the court that Richard Jakpa was dismissed from the service in 2007 due to misconduct.

However, it was established by the Military Secretary of the Ghana Armed Forces, Air Commodore Nana Adu Gyamfi, that Richard Jakpa was not honourably discharged, explaining that such a decision would have been indicated in his release document.

Giving further details, Nana Adu Gyamfi said though Jakpa was released, it was not honourably as purported by the prosecution.

This has sparked a conversation among Ghanaians on what constitutes the dismissal of an officer from the Ghana Armed Forces.

In this GhanaWeb report, we take a look at the 5 ways an officer can get released, according to the Ghana Armed Forces regulations LI1332 article 15.

1. Misconduct;

The following are the cases in which the reason for release is applicable;

a. Having been sentenced to dismissal with disgrace from the Armed Forces
b. Having been sentenced to dismissal from the Armed Forces
c. Service misconduct
d. Having been convicted by the Civil Power during service
e. Illegally absent and not claimed for further service
f. Having made a false statement, other than as to age only, with a fraudulent purpose at the time of enrolment.
g. Having failed to settle his private debts

2. Inefficiency

The following are the cases in which the reason for release is applicable;

a. Through continued lack of application or interest
b. Through continued unsatisfactory service
c. Unsatisfactory conduct

3. Medically unfit

The following are the cases in which the reason for release is applicable;

a. On medical grounds being disabled or incapable of performing his duties as a member of the Armed Forces.

4. Voluntary retirement

5. Compulsory retirement

MAG/AE