Third accused individual in the ongoing ambulance procurement case, Richard Jakpa, informed the court that the initial shipment of ambulances sent to Ghana were still under warranty and were not meant for immediate deployment.
His statement was made during his cross-examination on Thursday, June 13, by the legal team representing Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the first accused in the case.
Jakpa clarified that the ambulances were covered by a comprehensive warranty agreement, which outlined specific conditions, including the requirement for thorough inspections and necessary adjustments before they could be put into use.
This measure was taken to ensure compliance with operational standards and safety requirements.
He further explained that relevant authorities in Ghana overseeing the inspection process were aware of the terms of the warranty agreement and were responsible for overseeing the inspection and commissioning process.
Jakpa indicated that clear instructions were given that the ambulances should not be used until these procedures were completed, which he described as a standard protocol for such deliveries to guarantee their full functionality and safety.
During his testimony, Jakpa also addressed concerns regarding the readiness and condition of the ambulances upon their arrival, stating that premature utilization would have violated the terms of the warranty and could have compromised their effectiveness.
He added that the shipping company responsible for the delivery, Big Sea, was ready to install the necessary accessories and conduct training for paramedics.
Once the accessories, currently held at the port, were cleared, Big Sea would proceed with these installations and training sessions, ensuring that the ambulances are fully operational and ready for government use.