The Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has appeared before the Parliamentary Committee to respond to allegations leveled against him by some senior police officers captured in a leaked tape.
Before his submission, the IGP made a formal request for the three implicated senior police officers to be excluded from the proceedings during his testimony.
The request, made through his lawyer Kwame Gyan, was aimed at ensuring a fair and impartial examination of the evidence.
The IGP was concerned that the presence of the implicated officers during his testimony may influence the proceedings and potentially compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Lawyer Kwame Gyan emphasized that the IGP’s request for the exclusion of the implicated officers underscores his commitment to a thorough and unbiased investigation. It also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the process.
Responding to questions from the ad-hoc Committee members to address the allegations raised in the controversial tape, Dr. Dampare said his rise to the position of Inspector General of Police is based on merit and not any other considerations.
According to the police chief, he has been diligent about his work, and the wild allegations’ are just meant to smear his personality.
“So in terms of my ranking in the police service, it has been purely based on my competencies, my academic qualifications, and hard work because of the passion I have for the work. I have not at any point in time been called aside by any individual and granted me any favour,” he said.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare was invited before the Ad-hoc committee on Friday, September 8.
This follows the accusations that have been leveled against him by the previous witnesses, which the committee believes must be addressed.
On Sunday, September 10 2023, the chairman of the committee indicated that the hearing would be done in-camera.
He insisted that there were issues in the hearing that needed to be prevented from coming out in the public to protect national security.
The modality however changed as parts of the probe were heard publicly.
Addressing the committee a while ago, Mr Atta Akyea said issues bothering on national security will be referred for an in-camera session.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, also set the records straight on his relationship with former NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu.
Unequivocally, he stated that he has no working relationship with the former party Chairman.
Mr. Naabu admitted to recording the tape plotting the removal of the Inspector General of Police. He is the star witness and has been central to the inquiry in Parliament.
The NPP stalwart claimed to have said he has a good working relationship with Dr. Dampare, which the IGP debunked.
The Inspector General of Police also refuted allegations that he was part of a conspiracy to secretly record conversations of the police officers implicated in the tape and Mr. Naabu.
COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi – and Bugri Naabu.
The IGP also added that, some the allegations made against him by the three police officers; COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi have caused severe pain to him and his family.
During their appearances before the committee, COP Mensah accused IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare of mismanaging the Police Service and claimed that his leadership had led to a decline in morale among police officers. He also admitted to being involved in politics and working in the interest of a political party, although he did not specify which party.
His comments align with sentiments expressed in the leaked tape, where he was heard advocating for the removal of the IGP to ensure the victory of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections. However, he strongly denied the authenticity of the tape, alleging that it had been doctored and did not accurately reflect the original conversation with Daniel Bugri Naabu.
Superintendent Asare also claimed that portions of the tape were doctored and accused the IGP of being behind the audio recording during his appearance before the committee.
The investigation into the leaked audio took a new turn when a fresh tape emerged on September 12, 2023.
Parliament set an ad-hoc committee to investigate the tape after it was leaked to the media.
During his appearance before the committee, COP Alex Mensah claimed the IGP had the full and unedited recording of the tape and was responsible for leaking it to the media.
He added that his information indicated that, the IGP has the full, unedited recording.
Superintendent George Asare also alleged that an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) known as Asante assisted Bugri Naabu in recording their conversation.
But taking his turn at the committee on Tuesday, Dr Dampare stated categorically that, he had no hand in it, adding that he is committed to upholding the law and maintaining the integrity of the Ghana Police Service.
The IGP expressed his willingness to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation, vowing to provide any necessary information and assistance to uncover the truth behind the leaked tape.
The Parliamentary Committee probing the issue sat in camera on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, with the witnesses – Bugri Naabu, the
Inspector General of Police, COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi.
Meanwhile, COP George Alex Mensah says he is prepared with his evidence and is confident the truth will ultimately be revealed.
