Guinness World Record (GWR) hopeful and tourism ambassador, Afua Asantewaa O. Aduonum (Singathon), recently visited the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Dampare, at the Police headquarters in Accra.
During the official visit, Afua Asantewaa conveyed her sincere appreciation to the police chief for his substantial assistance during her record-breaking attempt at the Akwaaba Village in Accra.
She told the IGP, “My team and I are eternally grateful for the massive support during the attempt. Their heavy presence at the venue went a long way in ensuring that peace prevailed.”
“We are here today to say we are indeed grateful, and if I decide to go again, we won’t hesitate to call on you again for your blessings and support. Thank you.”
The police chief praised Afua Asantewaa for her remarkable tenacity.
He assured her that the police force would remain steadfast in supporting her if she decides to pursue a second record attempt.
Also in attendance during this notable visit was business mogul Isaac Ofori Amoako, renowned for his Ike City enterprise.
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to enact effective measures ensuring the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming 2024 general elections.
The Asantehene emphasized that Ghana has reached a mature stage, and therefore, it is imperative to implement adequate measures to prevent disruptions that commonly occur during general elections.
During a courtesy call by the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to the Manhyia Palace as part of his visit to the Ashanti region, the Asantehene made the statement.
“I will urge you that this year is an election year. This is not the first time we are voting; we’ve always been voting. I urge you all to put in measures to ensure peace in the upcoming election. You must protect the country. It is your duty, hence, to put in measures for the country to live up to that.”
He additionally urged the police to implement stringent measures to combat the menace of illegal mining, which has resulted in the degradation of water bodies and forest reserves.
“Recently, there have been illegal mining cases which have become a challenge. I’ll plead with you all to help put a stop to that. It is affecting our lands and water bodies.
The IGP, Mr. Damapre also assured the Asantehene to continue his good works to promote peace in the country and indicated some measures that have been put in place to safeguard the security of Ghanaians.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Asantehene for his enormous support in building the nation.
Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, on Friday, January 12, 2024, accompanied by some members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), conducted a working visit to the Ghana Armed Forces Central Command in Kumasi, the Kumasi Central Prison, and the Kumasi Metropolitan Fire Station.
The purpose of these visits was to enhance relationships and promote collaboration, with the aim of maintaining peace, law, and order in the Kumasi Metropolis.
The IGP and his team who were on a security tour of Kumasi and its environs also paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The team also met with members of the Ashanti regional branch of the Ghana Union of Traders Association on their security concerns.
Meanwhile, the Asantehene has commended the IGP for enhancing the outlook and public perception of the police service.
“I want to commend you for the good work you’re doing with your team. Since you came to the scene. Now we feel the Police in our lives, our homes and everywhere and we are grateful”.
Commenting on security in the Ashanti region during the Christmas festivities, the Ashanti Monarch said he was marvelled by the number of motorbikes that patrolled the region and Kumasi in particular to ensure the safety of residents.
“I was here when they came to show me videos of the number of officers patrolling the city on motorbikes and it was beautiful. Because of your work, we didn’t see robberies and the number of carnage we used to see on our roads during Christmas, please continue the work because we are praying for you”.
Chairman of the committee tasked with investigating the leaked tape purportedly detailing a plot to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has clarified that the committee is actively engaged in the process of finalizing its comprehensive report.
The ongoing investigation seeks to shed light on the alleged conspiracy involving senior police officers and determine the appropriate course of action.
Contrary to circulating rumors indicating the report’s submission to the presidency, the chairman, Samuel Atta Akyea, refuted such claims and attributed the delay to the committee’s dedication to fairness and ongoing parliamentary commitments.
He stated, “A lot of things have happened, and we don’t want to come and give excuses for why we are late in bringing the report. It is just about to be concluded, and then the committee will converge to look at it and ensure an understanding that nobody has been shortchanged before putting it before plenary. I do not know how anybody will say that the report is with the president— a report that the committee has not even reviewed,” citinewroom.com quoted him to have said.
Akyea also tackled concerns regarding potential national security breaches during the investigation, underscoring that the in-camera hearings provided a secure environment for the committee to gather crucial information.
He highlighted intervening factors, such as budgetary considerations, as significant contributors to the delay.
A leaked tape in July 2023 allegedly revealed plots by some high-ranking people linked to the government to remove IGP Dampare, over claims that he could influence the upcoming December general elections.
A seven-member committee, chaired by Samuel Atta Akyea, was subsequently constituted by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to investigate the tape’s contents.
The Parliamentary Committee investigating the leaked tape, wherein three senior police officers were conspiring to remove Inspector-General of Police George Akuffo Dampare, has officially accused the implicated officers of perjury.
A preliminary report from the committee, revealed that Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah (now retired) provided false testimony under oath during his appearance before the committee.
“The Committee established that COP George Alex Mensah lied under oath before the Committee by stating categorically that he was not a card-bearing member of the NPP when responding to questions about whether or not he is a member of the NPP.
“His subsequent conduct, however, of picking and filing to contest a parliamentary seat, specifically to represent the Bekwai constituency on the ticket of the NPP established that he actually is evidently a card-bearing member of the NPP,” the report noted.
Likewise, the report implicated Superintendent George Lysander Asare and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyabi for making false statements while under oath.
“The Committee further established that Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Eric Emmanuel Gyebi lied under oath before the Committee when they both denied calling and speaking to Chief Bugri Naabu on Supt. Asare’s phone in furtherance to their conspiracy to remove the IGP.
“They both stated categorically before the Committee that Chief Bugri Naabu was palpable liar when he alleged that they spoke to him on Supt. Asare’s phone. They both upon submission of the second audio tape by Chief Bugri Naabu promptly recanted their earlier denials under oath and admitted their voices and participation in the phone call,” the report said.
The over 70-page report which covered the work of the committee chaired by the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea cleared the IGP of allegations made by the three officers.
Among other things, the committee established the authenticity of the leaked tape, it established that the three senior police officers conspired to remove the IGP from office for the replacement of their own (COP George Mensah).
The committee further established that the objective of the plot was to help the officers take charge of election security management and favour their party, the New Patriotic Party to “break the 8.”
In line with the committee’s terms of reference, it also established that the officers by their actions, misconducted themselves against the constitution and misconducted themselves under the Police Service Act, 1970 (ACT 350) and the Police Service Regulations, 2012, (C. I. 76).
According to the committee, the actions of the three senior officers could affect the integrity of the 2024 general elections.
“The three senior police officers namely, COP Alex Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Eric Emmanuel Gyebi involved in the conspiracy to remove the IGP should be referred for further investigation and possible prosecution for perjury under the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29) and professional misconduct under the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350) and the Police Service Regulations, 2012, (C.I. 76),” the committee recommended.
The National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, has raised concerns about what he perceives as a bias in the approach of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Mr Yamin asserts that the IGP appears to selectively identify faults within the NDC while ignoring inciteful comments made by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In highlighting his grievances, Mr Yamin points to instances where prominent NPP figures, including President Akufo-Addo and Bryan Acheampong, made provocative statements.
Despite these statements, Mr Yamin claims that no concrete actions have been taken by the police.
He questioned the effectiveness of the IGP’s social media monitoring, suggesting that such comments may go unnoticed or unaddressed.
“Even President Akufo-Addo made inciteful comments when he said that since he is president, John Mahama will not become president under his watch. Another example is Bryan Acheampong, who said they have the men and will not allow the NDC to take over power. I want to ask if the IGP’s social media hasn’t captured these yet.
He specifically criticized the arrest of NDC members for wearing camouflage, arguing that a similar dress code among NPP members has not resulted in arrests.
He further points out the arrest of the youth organizer for the Suame Constituency as an unnecessary action taken against the NDC.
Expressing disappointment in the perceived lack of a balanced approach by the IGP, Yamin emphasizes the need for fair treatment and accountability for all political parties.
He contends that the arrest of Mustapha, the Deputy General Secretary for the NDC, was unwarranted, as Mustapha was merely providing advice and not posing any direct threat.
He concluded by calling for transparency and an unbiased stance from the IGP to maintain public confidence in the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Ghanaians on social media are commending the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, for his adherence to road traffic regulations.
A viral video shows the IGP’s Toyota Highlander coming to a halt at a red traffic light, with his entire entourage following suit.
“The IGP is in traffic. When the light turned red, he did not pass… he stopped with his entire convoy. A whole IGP… God bless the IGP,” the man who took the video can be heard saying.
As soon as the traffic light turned green, the IGP promptly resumed his journey.
According to Section 28 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (ACT 683), failure to adhere to the instructions provided by a traffic sign, including a traffic light, constitutes an offense. Offenders may face a summary conviction, with penalties of up to 100 penalty units or a maximum prison sentence of 6 months.
The regulations require road users to be ready to stop when the traffic light signals yellow, come to a halt when it turns red, and proceed when it displays green. However, it is often observed that law enforcement officers, including the police, do not consistently follow these regulations.
Former Commissioner of the Ghana Police Service, COP George Alex Mensah, has challenged the notion that the current Inspector General, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, enjoys widespread public support.
COP Mensah argues that the IGP’s popularity and approval ratings are primarily confined to social media, where algorithms can be manipulated to promote a specific narrative.
“I will urge you the media to do your own investigation, not on the social media. Go down there. Not on social media, public view is not on social media… social media can be hacked by people and those people can know that you are going to put this question there and they will tell their people to come and respond to it,” he challenged in a recent interview on JoyNews.
COP Mensah is currently at the center of a leaked audio recording in which he was suggested as a potential replacement for Dr. George Akuffo Dampare as the Inspector General of Police.
In the leaked audio, which has sparked a parliamentary committee investigation, COP Mensah and two other police officers are accused of attempting to garner political support for the removal of the IGP.
While advocating for COP Mensah as a suitable replacement for Dr. Dampare, these officers presented him as a dedicated supporter and member of the ruling New Patriotic Party, emphasizing his potential role in furthering the party’s 2024 electoral agenda.
They also raised doubts about Dr. Dampare’s competence and accused him of having affiliations with the opposition National Democratic Congress.
However, in his interview, COP Mensah asserted that his actions did not violate the police code of conduct for officers.
“The police service cannot do anything to me. If the committee come out to say that I have committed a crime then the state can deal with me. I have nothing to do with the police service as I speak to you now,” he stated.
On a separate note, COP Alex Mensah has confirmed his intention to compete for the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary nomination in the Bekwai Constituency.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has provided assurance to the leadership of the #OccupyJulorBiHouse protest, Democracy Hub, regarding the promotion of a democratic atmosphere.
This commitment was conveyed through a press statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, following a meeting that took place on Friday.
The meeting was convened in response to the turmoil that transpired on Thursday, September 21, 2023, during the initial day of the planned three-day protest.
“We would like to assure the public that the police service is dedicated to fostering a democratic environment where citizens rights are upheld while maintaining the security and stability of the nation” the press statement.
During the meeting, the police reiterated their stance, emphasising that the Police Service does not oppose individuals or groups wishing to engage in demonstrations, as they have previously demonstrated their capability to provide security for such events.
However, the specific concern of the police in this particular case revolved around the chosen venue for the intended demonstration, namely the Jubilee House, which is designated as a high-security zone.
At the meeting, the leaders of the group provided assurances to the police. They conveyed their intent to engage in discussions with their members, aiming to reach a potential compromise regarding the demonstration’s venue, which they would subsequently communicate to the police.
“The leaders also assured the police that they would talk to their members to leave the streets while awaiting either a compromise decision between the police and the demonstrators on an alternative venue or the determination of the matter by the court,” the statement stated.
A series of fresh recordings has emerged on social media, intensifying the controversy surrounding the alleged plot to remove the current Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
These new recordings, consisting of video footage, feature the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, engaging in conversations with unidentified individuals, discussing various schemes.
In one of the videos, Bugri Naabu is seen in his office, where an individual accuses him of involvement in a contract kickback scheme. The individual asserts that the contract was initially awarded to Ben Kofi, who subsequently subcontracted it to Bugri Naabu.
This individual also mentions pressure from higher-ranking officials, including the vice president’s office, and urges Bugri Naabu to provide the promised funds for the project.
“The contract was given to Ben Kofi and Ben Kofi gave the contract to him. So it is not that me and him we know about IGP giving him the contract. That contract didn’t come, look at what they are telling me now.
“This particular contract, the job was given to Ben Kofi and Ben Kofi also intend subletting it to him… so tell me, are you halting any money for me to give to the boys or what?
“Because you said you got some calls from even vice president’s office people called you. Me I don’t know how they got your number but I called your sister and your sister told me the contract was ready, they are now going to do production.
“Now, I went to IG (Inspector General), IG too says the contract is completed. If you don’t want trouble, bring the money for me to give to the boys. Otherwise, I cannot guarantee you, the problem can come.
“So he told me that, today is Monday, he said today he is going to meet Ben Kofi, the person the contract was awarded to, they will discuss it and see if they can get some money,” Bugri Naabu is heard stating in one of the videos in a setting that looks like his office said to be located at Osu.
While the exact context of this video remains unclear, it is noteworthy that one of the three senior police officers implicated in the alleged plot to remove Dr. Dampare during their appearance before a parliamentary committee mentioned a business relationship between the IGP and Bugri Naabu.
Superintendent George Asare alleged that the IGP had benefited from contracts with the police service, implying a connection between their relationship and the leaked recording of their private conversation.
“He has lied on several occasions. I have Alhaji Bugri Naabu on tape, everything he came to say here, on video in his office. His relationship with IGP and contracts, 40,000 boots contract…” he spilled before being stopped in his tracks by the chairman of the committee, Samuel Atta-Akyea.
Bugri Naabu, in his testimony before the parliamentary committee, acknowledged having lobbied for Dr. Dampare to be appointed as IGP.
Bugri Naabu on police payroll
In another set of new videos, Bugri Naabu is heard admitting to being on the payroll of the Ghana Police Service, countering an accusation that he was receiving payments from Dr. Akuffo Dampare.
During the exchange, an unidentified individual alleged that Bugri Naabu was being paid GHC10,000 by Dr. Dampare. In response, Bugri Naabu refuted this claim and clarified that he received the monthly payment of GHC10,000 from the police service, not from Dr. Dampare personally. He explained that the payment was in recognition of his role as a paramount chief, serving as an informant for security matters and reporting issues to the police.
Despite Bugri Naabu’s explanation, his accuser maintained that the payment originated from the IGP and not the police service. The disagreement escalated, with Bugri Naabu daring his accuser to take any action he deemed necessary.
“Don’t tell me that he pays me GHC10,000; he doesn’t pay me, it’s the police… I don’t know, I receive GHC10,000 from the police and they tell me the security work I do as a paramount chief… when there is a problem I report to them,” he responded.
Background: In recent developments, a leaked tape revealed several senior police officers seeking the support of Bugri Naabu to remove the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP) from office. These officers, who identified themselves as supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party, expressed concerns that Dr. Dampare’s tenure as IGP posed a threat to the party’s chances of winning the 2024 election.
Bugri Naabu subsequently admitted before a parliamentary committee investigating the leaked tape that he had recorded his conversations with the police officers as evidence of the alleged plot, with the intention of presenting it to President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo.
However, one of the officers involved in the recorded conversations, Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah, claimed that the recording was initiated by Dr. Dampare himself, who later leaked their discussions with Bugri Naabu.
In response to these developments, the Ghana Police Service, on September 9, 2023, announced the interdiction of all the police officers implicated in the leaked tape.
Former Deputy Defence Minister, Major Derrick Oduro (Rtd.), has voiced his opinion against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, appearing before the ad-hoc parliamentary committee investigating his alleged ousting.
COP George Mensah, a high-ranking police officer implicated in the alleged plot to remove the IGP, asserted during the committee’s proceedings that Dr. Dampare had orchestrated the recording of the leaked tape and possessed the original copy. COP Mensah suggested that the committee should invite the IGP if they require access to the tape.
However, Major Oduro (Rtd.) expressed his belief in an interview with the media he stated that there was no need for the IGP to be summoned before the committee. He cited uncertainty about the committee’s terms of reference and the nature of the leaked tape’s discussion as factors influencing his stance.
Major Oduro (Rtd.) also criticized the decision to broadcast the committee’s proceedings, suggesting that this could compromise public security. He argued that the inquiry should have been conducted privately to protect sensitive security matters.
In contrast, James Agalga, the Vice Chairman of the committee, offered a different perspective. He stated that given the recent allegations and twists in the case, it might be necessary to invite the IGP to assist in the ongoing investigation. Agalga emphasized the need for fairness and natural justice, suggesting that hearing from the IGP would help determine the authenticity of the recorded conversation and any involvement he may have had in its recording.
According to Aliu Mahama, Dr. Bawumia’s comprehensive knowledge of the country, its constituents, and its issues positions him favorably to lead the NPP to victory in the 2024 general elections, with the goal of “breaking the eight” (likely referring to ending an eight-year cycle of political power). He believes that Bawumia’s competence and competitive advantage will enable him to unite party members and supporters to achieve this goal.
Furthermore, Joseph Osei Owusu, also known as Joe Wise, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has predicted a significant victory for Dr. Bawumia in the upcoming NPP Presidential primaries. Joe Wise anticipates that Bawumia will secure over 68% of the votes in the election scheduled for November 4, 2023.
This prediction comes after Dr. Bawumia received 68.15% of the vote in the Special Delegates’ Conference held on August 26, 2023, where he emerged as the front-runner.
Other notable figures in the party, such as Kennedy Agyapong and Alan Kyerematen, placed second and third in the presidential race, respectively.
The Commissioner of Police (COP) within the Ghana Police Service, has revealed that he submitted his curriculum vitae to Bugri Naabu, with the intention of enlisting his support to advance his candidacy for the position of Inspector General of Police (IGP).
He made this disclosure during his appearance before a 7-member parliamentary committee established to investigate a leaked audio recording aimed at the removal of the incumbent IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
COP Mensah clarified that his purpose in sharing his CV with Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman, was to seek endorsement for his aspiration to lead the police service as the IGP.
This revelation came in response to a query posed by a committee member.
“My CV was given to somebody whom Bugri Naabu sent to come and collect from me.
“The purpose was for him to go and lobby for me to become the IGP,” he added.
“And that was not the first time lobbying went on, we have been lobbying from 2017 to become IGP,” he added.
Moreover, COP Mensah continued by explaining that he had been engaged in a continuous effort to gain leadership of the police service since 2017.
The Paramount Chief of Wungu traditional area, Wunaaba Alhaji Saaka Sulemaana, has welcomed a visiting Police entourage, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to his palace.
He expressed delight as it was the first time an IGP had visited the area and his palace.
During the meeting, the chief informed the IGP that robbery incidents had significantly decreased in the past two years, improving the social lives of his people.
In response, the IGP highlighted the police’s commitment to providing community-specific policing, tailoring security solutions based on each community’s needs.
He stressed that the Police will continue to collaborate with chiefs and communities to achieve enhanced security outcomes.
The IGP and the police management board are touring the north-east region to assess the security situation, engaging with police officers and the public to gather first-hand information on welfare, operational, and administrative challenges.
The tour has covered over 80 percent of the country, with similar engagements conducted by Regional, Divisional, and District Police Commands nationwide.
Today, Thursday, July 13, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, commenced a working tour to evaluate the quality of service provided by the police at the East Legon, Legon, and Airport Police stations.
This tour follows a similar initiative that began last week in Amasaman, allowing the IGP to gather first-hand experiences of the public when they interact with the police at various stations in Accra.
During today’s tour, Dr. Dampare, accompanied by members of the Police Management Board, also visited the La Bawuleshie Presby Basic School.
Their purpose was to engage with the schoolchildren and emphasize the importance of developing relationships with the police in their communities.
The objective of this effort is to educate the children, encouraging them to overcome any fear they may have of law enforcement officers and fostering a better understanding of their role in maintaining security.
Recognizing that security is a shared responsibility, the aim is to empower the children to actively participate in creating a safer environment by working alongside the police.
By undertaking these visits and engaging with both the public and schoolchildren, Dr. Dampare aims to improve public trust, enhance community policing, and strengthen the bond between the police and the citizens they serve.
Political opinions are not prohibited for civil officials considering the positions they hold, but it is not expected that their political connections will be made public.
Top government officials have a history of quitting their jobs before entering politics in their post-service lives.
Two high-ranking government employees have recently come under fire for allegedly being secretly politicians, despite the accusers’ public statements to the contrary.
The two are the Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II and Inspector-General of Police George Akuffo Dampare.
In the instance of Dr. Dampare, he was identified as a member of the NDC in a leaked audio clip where a senior New Patriotic Party (NPP) official and a commissioner of police are heard debating the necessity of his removal.
“I know there are others who are also good for this position, if I don’t get and this man is changed and those people that we think are our men get,” the policeman is heard saying. “(It is okay)”
“Because we need to break this 8. That is important, we need to break the 8… Because I wouldn’t want doctor to become the flagbearer and then we lose the elections… ” the policeman said.
The senior officer expressed vehement criticism of Dr. Dampare’s security plan, pointing out how it was biased against the NPP and using the recent by-election in Assin North as evidence.
He said that Dr. Dampare is an NDC member who had advancements under NDC administrations and worked as the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ aide-de-camp.
In the instance of the Dormaahene, Kobina Tahir Hammond (NPP MP for Adansi Asokwa), who took aim at the paramount chief for breaking the laws prohibiting chiefs engaging in politics in accordance with the constitution, leveled the accusation against him.
He claimed that he spoke excessively and was unable to serve on the bench. The Dormaahene is a High Court judge in Accra right now. In a case involving an NDC MP, he requested a nolle prosequi, which is what led to KT Hammond’s criticism of him.
The MP who also serves as the trades minister stated in an interview with Oyerepa FM:
“Just pay attention to all he has said. One person only. Take a moment to hear what he has to say about the Supreme Court. It follows that no one is seeking to punish him. Why? Does he not realize that what he is doing could cause him trouble?”
A series of covert recordings obtained by GhanaWeb reveal details of a scheme by some senior members of the government’s New Patriotic Party and the Ghana Police Service to remove Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the incumbent inspector general of police, before the 2024 elections.
The group, who were captured in a secret meeting, came to the conclusion that Dampare’s leadership style and purported membership in the opposition National Democratic Congress would make the NPP’s “Breaking the 8” goal difficult.
“Alhaji, my only problem… this current IGP if we do a mistake and take him to the elections, it will not help us. It will not help us at all and I will not mind if the position is not given to me but that man is changed; because he will not help us, he will not help us at all… he won’t help the party at all.
“I know there are others who are also good for this position, if I don’t get and this man is changed and those people that we think they are our men get I (it is ok)t… Because we need to break this 8. That is important, we need to break the 8… Because I wouldn’t want doctor to become the flagbearer and then we lose the elections… ” one of the senior officers told the senior NPP members who is believed to be a former regional chairman of the party and now a traditional ruler.
The senior police official continued by acknowledging that sometimes elections call for dirty tricks to win, but does not mind losing as long as a pro-NPP IGP is placed.
“This IGP is not correct, he won’t help us. Alhaji you have done politics, you know elections is not… sometimes elections mafia work is inside,” he stated to which the party guru concurred saying “not just sometimes, mafia work is inside. As for elections mafia work is involved.”
The senior officer expressed vehement criticism of Dr. Dampare’s security plan, pointing out how it was biased against the NPP and using the recent by-election in Assin North as evidence.
He said that Dr. Dampare is an NDC member who had advancements under NDC administrations and worked as the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ aide-de-camp.
“Alhaji whatever we need to do to get somebody else to supervise these elections (2024) we need to do. Because as we speak, this IGP is not fine with the military, he is fighting with the army. You find out, if any army officer is your friend, you call him and ask him that how do you see this IGP. He has been arresting military cars; commanders’ cars,” he said.
He further disclosed that the vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and a candidate for the NPP’s presidential nomination, was not in favor of Dr. Dampare being the IGP and that the two had a tense relationship.
“If you find out yourself, he is not in good terms with Dr Bawumia… find out if you are close to Dr Bawumia because he knows that Dr Bawumia did not recommend him as IGP… Dr Bawumia knows that if we take him to elections we’ll have difficulties,” he stated.
The concerned senior party member expressed worry over the lack of awareness among leading members of the party and the government regarding the matter. However, they were informed by a senior officer that previous attempts to bring attention to the issue had been unsuccessful.
Additionally, it was revealed that Dr. Dampare has garnered support from close relatives of the president, including his executive secretary, Nana Asante Bediatuo, and Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko.
The party official, taken aback by this information, emphasized the significance of having a favorable security service in order to win elections, stating that “without them, we can’t do anything.”
Sources within the security sector, as reported by GhanaWeb, disclosed that the secret recordings, including videos that touch on critical national security matters, have been brought to the attention of those in power.
“There are even video recordings but due to national security issues they are being withheld,” the source disclosed.
Other parts of the video detail the cabal’s plans to further their goals through a variety of channels, including spiritual ones.
At one occasion, the former NPP party chairman received a call that he identified to his guests as coming from the president.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare is conducting visits to police stations in Accra today, Thursday, July 6.
This initiative aims to evaluate the quality of service provided to the public when they seek assistance at police stations.
Accompanying the IGP are members of the Police Management Board. Additionally, he will visit ailing officers during his visits to different stations.
The Police administration has been evaluating the overall security situation in various parts of the country.
As an example, last week, the Central North Regional Commander, DCOP Mr. Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, ASP Stella Adjei-Kodom, and ASP Margaret Avornyo conducted a security tour at the Assin Bereku Presby Basic School in the Central Region of Ghana to assess the prevailing security conditions in the area.
TheOverlord of the Dagbon traditional territory, Ya Naa Gariba II, has praised the Dagbon Police for what he calls their “outstanding performance” in maintaining the area’s peace, security, and order.
According to the king, the police leadership in the traditional area regularly confer with him on security matters concerning the area.
“Your men are doing well in Dagbon. They have been efficient and they always liaise with my palace in dealing with issues in the traditional area hence the security and peace we are witnessing in the enclave.
“I thank you for the patience and the skills you’re exhibiting as IGP. You’re sacrificing your sleep and comfort for the good of the entire country.The people and chiefs of Dagbon are grateful for the work that you’re doing,” the Overlord made the comments when the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare paid a courtesy call on him as part of his working tour of the region.
The IGP and some members of the police management board are touring the Savanna and Northern regions to touch base with police personnel in those regions to listen to their concerns on first hand basis.
TheInspector General of Police(IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has scheduled a meeting with all participating parties in the upcoming by-election in Kumawu, Ashanti region.
The IGP’s meeting with the parties ahead of the Kumawu by-election is scheduled to happen at the District Police Command on Monday May 22, 2023 in the morning.
Dr. Dampare had earlier touched base with the Police deployment in the area over the weekend. He assessed the security preparedness ahead of the Tuesday May 23, 2023 polls.
He also interacted with the public, walk through the street and assess the general security ahead of the upcoming KumawuConstituency by-election.
The by-election follows the death of the MP for the constituency who will be buried on Saturday.
The leadership of the NDC and new NPP have been in the constituency supporting their various candidates.
A security analyst has accused Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector-General of Police, with establishing a team of Ghana Police Service officers known as the “Dampare Boys.”
Emmanuel Mawanye Kotin, who is also the Executive Director of African Center for Security and Counterterrorism, said these special officers do not respect their seniors and do not take orders from any of their line commanders except Dr Akuffo Dampare.
He said the situation has dampened the spirit of many senior officers, leading to disillusionment among the top hierarchy.
Mr Kotin made this known on TV3 on Tuesday, April 25 while speaking about the alleged shooting of a lady, 26, in Adum, Kumasi by an Inspector with a service rifle.
The security analyst said the so-called Dampare Boys are quickly promoted as against the very regimen of the Service.
He disclosed that most of the Dampare Boys have been promoted as Inspectors.
He said the situation should be questioned “whether under the law the IGP has the right to create such a body”.
According to Mr Kotin, senior officers who are against this group of officers have been cowed into silence as “they are afraid to talk”.
He called onParliamentto summon the IGP to answer questions on this breed of officers he is keeping in the Service.
Inspector-General of Police,Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has demonstrated his will to ensuring that the country is free from criminals.
Dr. Dampare says with the help and assistance of other security agencies, the fight against crime will be relentless.
He gave this assurance during the commissioning of a police barracks at Kwabenaya in Accra.
“My colleagues and I are working in partnership with other security agencies to give you the biggest of assurances to the government and the people of Ghana that we will never sleep nor rest until this country is at peace with itself,” Inspector-General of Police assured.
In a similar move, the police administration engaged the leaders of the two major parties on how best to defuse political tensions as part of efforts to maintain decorum on the country’s political landscape.
On Monday, April 17, 2023, the Ghana Police Service met with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the oppositionNational Democratic Congress (NDC) to discuss some political disagreements at the meeting called by the Inspector General of Police.
This was said in a statement issued by the Service after the engagement urging the parties to be decent in their operations.
“They should do their politics and allow the Police to do policing. We, therefore, called on them to support us including by criticizing us constructively to do a professional job in line with our constitutional mandate”, the Ghana Police Service mentioned in its release signed by its Director of Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi.
The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has lauded the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, over the professionalism executed in the Ashaiman murder case.
This follows the arrest of key suspects over the death of a soldier at Ashaiman in Accra.
In a statement, the Ghana Police Service said it had, through a week of sustained intelligence, arrested six key suspects in connection with the killing of a 22-year-old soldier who was with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) band at Sunyani in the Bono Region. w
On March 4, 2023, the police said they received information that a male adult had been found lying dead at Ashaiman Taifa in the Greater Accra Region.
According to the police, a team of police officers proceeded to the said location, confirmed the incident, and immediately commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death, leading to the arrest of the six persons.
Commenting on the development on GHOne TV, the lawmaker stated that the IGP and his men deserve all the praise for getting the killers of the young soldier and putting them before the court.
“I am one who has been very critical of the Ghana Police led by Dampare, but when they get it right, I will commend and praise them, and this is one instance where I will sing to the high praises the professionalism and diligence of our Ghana Police. Because I have also maintained that we have the finest police service in all of Africa, in fact, in the whole world.
“Our Police Service is among the six or seven in the world that the United Nations (UN) accepts for peacekeeping operations. We’ve professional men and women in our police service who, when they want to work and when the political braze at the top of the police service allows them, will do a fantastic job. This is one instance where they’ve done fantastic work,” Nartey George stated.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Norgbe, has said the payment of hospital bills for residents who suffered military brutalities at Ashaiman has now become a debt to him.
Speaking on Starr Today with Emmanuel Agyabeng, the MP stated he has been paying hospital bills, buying drugs, and involving the services of psychologists, among others, for the victims of the military brutalities.
“It has become a debt on me as the MP. I had a call from one at the hospital where I had to send money to be able to buy medicines. Some of them are still undergoing some kind of trauma, so I’m trying to organize a psychologist, which I have spoken to, to talk to them. We are collating data to see whether we can arrange for some sort of compensation for all of them,” Norgbe stated.
The police officer at the center of a CFA190,000 controversy, according to Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, cannot be located.
The issue of the missing monies came to light in a 2020 report by the Auditor-General. The Auditor-General ordered that the monies be recovered.
The report stated that “the Divisional CID, Tarkwa, disclosed that cash exhibits of US$8,100.00 and CFA 40,000.00 retrieved from suspects in 2016 in the case of The Republic versus Nana Akakpo and three others were not available for our audit verification.”
The audit report also recommended that “the Divisional CID in charge to immediately produce the exhibit for our inspection, failing which the total sum should be recovered from him and disciplinary action also taken against him.”
Dr Akuffo Dampare who took his turn at the sittings of the Public Account Committee on Thursday, January 19, 2022 disclosed that the investigations by the police led to the discovery that the initial amount was underdeclared by CFA150,000. In essence the total amount of money was CFA190,000.
He said the police however managed to retrieve the money and sent it to Ivory Coast for verification of the authenticity of the notes. He said “the checks were done and the results with accompanying appendix indicate that they were all fake.
“When they were done, they were sent back to the CID office in Tarkwa. But honourable chair, there has been confusion as to who received it and the whereabouts of the money. Unfortunately, one of the three officers who were involved resigned from the Service and we’re making efforts to look for him to be held accountable.”
He revealed two of the three officers involved have however been interdicted and are subject of investigations by the Police Professional Standard Bureau.
Dr Dampare also disclosed that the US$8,100.00 which was part of the seized notes and sent to the United States of America for authentication is also missing.
He said that all efforts to retrieve the money which was sent through the US Embassy in Ghana have proven futile.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has conferred a Sergeant rank on the police officer who was injured in a shoot-out with some armed robbers in Accra.
The officer and his team were following intelligence on some criminals who attacked a woman and robbed her at Caprice, a suburb of Accra, on Friday, December 9.
Two of the robbers were killed in the crossfire while one was arrested.
But one police officer, a corporal, suffered multi-fragmented fractures to the bone of his right thigh after exchanges with the robbers in their hideout.
The injured officer was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he has been receiving treatment.
He is billed to undergo surgery.
On Monday, December 12, Interior Minister Ambrose Dery visited him at the hospital.
A statement issued by the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday commended the injured officer and the other members of the operation team for “the role they played leading to the arrest of one of the robbers and the death of two others”.
The statement, signed by Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Director of the Public Affairs Directorate, said adequate provision has been made under the Police Emergency Medical Intervention Fund (PEMIF) to provide him the best medical care in Ghana or any part of the world.
The Deputy National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hamilton Nixon Biney, a.k.a Chief Biney, has revealed the identity of the policeman who allegedly infiltrated his “Ghana Must Work” demonstration against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Speaking in a UTV TV interview monitored by GhanaWeb on Tuesday (November 1), Chief Biney, who showed pictures of the said police officer to the cameras, mentioned his name as Kwaku Gameli.
He said that the leadership of the Ghana Police Service should take the matter seriously because the policeman wore the attire of the demonstrators, which could have led to him breaching the court order that stated that only 20 people should participate in the demonstration.
The NDC deputy national organizer added that the police should investigate the matter because the alleged infiltrator claimed not to be a police officer, but he had pictures of him in police uniform.
“When I confronted this man (the infiltrator), he said he was not a police officer, and the media has a video of this. And I said to him that you know me, and I know you, Kweku Gameli; you are a police officer.
“This is the gentlemen (holding up a picture) wearing my t-shirt, “Ghana Must Work”. This is a picture of him holding placards. Look at the danger; this gentleman was right behind me. If he had done something wrong, I would have been held responsible for it.
“This is the policeman (holding another picture of the man with police apparel and a gun). This is him (another picture of him on a motorbike).
“Kweku Gameli came into the police and was a visibility officer. He is a rider and has been involved in an accident on more than one occasion. Because of that (the accidents), he is no longer a rider, but he works as an intelligence officer at Tesano (Police Station),” he said in Twi.
He added that if the Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, fails to take action against Kweku Gameli, he will sue the police.
Chief Biney and his cohorts were protesting against Dr. Bawumia’s handling of the country’s economy.
The protest started at Kawukudi Park, through 37 to the Lands Commission junction, and turned right to the DVLA, where the demonstrators presented a petition to the Office of the Vice President.
Prof. Charles Marfo, Provost of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology’s (KNUST) College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CoHSS), has echoed the clarion call for the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to be entrusted with the fight against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey in the country, Purefmonline.com reports.
The former President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) in an interview with Kwame Adinkrah on Kumasi-based Pure FM stated that the IGP has shown competence through his high-class tactical abilities and has over the period exerted the qualities needed to garner gains concerning the leadership responsibilities required to combat the galamsey menace.
According to him, Government’s efforts to suppress galamsey activities so far do fall short of rewards and punishments modalities which he describes as a key ingredient to sustain the fight.
He stated that the IGP has matured with such potential to tighten the loopholes and gaps in the galamsey fight processes.
“Kwame, the last time, I heard you in one of the viral videos recommending the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare as the man befitting for the galamsey fight job. I think so too.
Let us look at this, for instance, he was denigrated for introducing the system where competent relatives replace officers who die in the line of duty, but Kwame, what has been the overall feedback and the attitude of our officers after this system was introduced?
These are the rewards and punishments I am talking about. When I commit myself to the nation and I am gone, what happens to my family?”
“We need a formidable system to cater for rewards, benefits or emoluments of front liners (security personnel) commissioned to these illegal mining areas.
Such modalities will ingrain patriotism and uncompromising commitment toward the national course.
This and many more I think Dampare is likely to bring on board if he’s left to lead the charge in the galamsey fight.”
“The illegal mining sector has tendencies to corrupt those security officers ordained to fight galamsey. Without any modalities, when these military officers are pushed into the forests and see these miners living lavishly, what do we expect them to do?” He quizzed.
The KNUST CoHSS Provost further re-echoed his description of Dr. Dampare as a brilliant policy maker, referring to his latest instituted rewarding systems in the Police Service; an emergency medical fund and replacement of officers who die in the line of duty with the deceased qualified family member into the Police force.
Such tactful packages, according to him, will eliminate diabolic thoughts questioning the essence of committing oneself to the success of a national need.
In what is believed to be a string of ritual killings that have struck Wa, the capital of the Upper West Regional, four dead have been found, and a thorough search is still on for three missing people.
At Bamahu, a Wa suburb, a suspect named Kankani Adongo was detained last Tuesday.
Latest body
The last of the four bodies, which was in an early stage of decomposition, was discovered last Monday in an uncompleted building near the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) on the Wa-Kumasi road.
Last Sunday, the third body was found in a shallow grave.
A statement issued by the police said the Special Purpose Police Intelligence and Investigation teams working with members of the Wa community said on September 18, 2022, the body was discovered in a shallow grave at Bamahu, a suburb of Wa.
The deceased was identified by family members as Seidu Baga, who was reported missing on September 16, 2022.
The bodies had been deposited at the Upper West Regional Hospital morgue by the Special Purpose Intelligence and Investigation team dispatched by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to the municipality, in the aftermath of demonstrations by residents calling for police action over the killings.
The police said a pathologist from the Police Hospital was heading to Wa as part of the investigations.
Police presence
The presence of the special police team had raised hopes among residents for the arrest of the perpetrators of the heinous crimes.
The Police High Command had announced a GH¢100,000 reward for anyone who would come with tangible information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Visits
Meanwhile, the IGP had ended a three-day duty tour of the region, which took him to all the districts to acquaint himself with the police preparedness to combat crime.
The Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery, had also been to Wa where he met leaders of the Wala Traditional Council and gave an assurance of thorough investigations to bring the perpetrators to book.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, is in Wa of the Upper West Region today, September 19, 2022.
Mr Dampare’s visit comes in response to the most recent purported claims of murders and disappearances in Wa.
The IGP was accompanied with other top officers, additionally, his visit comes after police in Wa’s “Napogi-ba Kolee” expansion uncovered a body buried in a shallow grave.
The deceased identified as Seidu Dakpuli is the latest security personnel who went missing two days ago.
Some body parts are said to be missing after the exercise.
This comes days after angry youth in the area massed up on the streets and burnt tyres protesting the unexplained killings.
The IGP’s visit is expected to boost Police morale and also assure the citizenry of the readiness of the law enforcement agency to protect them.
Apart from the IGP’s presence, the Police administration has also assured the people of the Wa and its environs that it has taken cognizance of their security concerns and has, therefore, put in place measures to support the Regional Police Command to beef up security to ensure the safety of all persons in the Metropolis.
In this regard, special purpose investigation and intelligence teams as well as additional police visibility and crime combat teams have been deployed to Wa under the leadership of the Director-General of Operations.
The Police reiterated its pledge to the public that they will continue to work towards ensuring the safety and security of all persons across the country.
The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has stated that, relativesof police officers who die in the line of duty would henceforth be recruited into the service if they meet the necessary qualifications to compensate for the loss.
According to the IGP, the initiative is part of a broad range of measures being taken by the leadership of the Police Service to encourage officers to give off their best.
“When a police officer dies on duty, we have put new measures in place to ensure that a relative of the deceased officer who is qualified is recruited into the service as part of efforts to urge our officers to do their best in protecting the public,†the IGP said while delivering a public lecture at theKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Thursday.
The IGP who spoke on the theme “The changing face of policing in Ghana: expectations and the role of the university community†said his vision is to make the Police the most efficient institution in the country despite the challenges they are confronted with.
“We want a police service of the people, by the people, and for the people. We want to make the service the best institution in the country and a reference point in the world.â€
Dr. Dampare also urged the public to criticise the Police but do so constructively since destructive criticisms could destroy the morale of the officers.
“Criticise us but please do so constructively so that the men and women of the service are not demoralised.â€
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare says, his outfit will continue to reject the research survey portraying the the Ghana police service as the most corrupt institution in the country.
Speaking at a public lecture at KNUST, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare stated that the methodology that led to the research conclusion is marred with several challenges.
Admitting that the police force has a few bad apples amongst them, Dr Akuffo Dampare noted that measures have been put in place to prevent corruption in the police service as part of its transformation agenda.
“We decided to access ourselves from your perspectives. We have been tagged as unprofessional, corrupt and what have you. We are not denying that we may have some recalcitrant officers amongst us, we are doing all we can to pluck them out. But we will never accept that we are the most corrupt institution.”
“It is unfortunate, all those researches are questionable. They have challenges,†he added.
Separate survey reports released by the Ghana Statistical Service and its partners, as well as Afrobarometer report, had officials of the service topping the corruption list.
According to the Afrobarometer study undertaken by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), 65 percent of Ghanaians believe most police are corrupt, while 31 percent believe only some police are corrupt.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and religious leaders were ranked as the most trusted institutions in the country in the year 2022.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare will today, Thursday, August 11, 2022, deliver at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
The IGP will be speaking on the theme “the changing face of policing in Ghana: expectations and the role of the university communityâ€.
Dr. Dampare is expected to take his audience through the past, present and future of the Ghana Police Service.
He will also speak on the various initiatives taken by his predecessors in improving security in the country.
The IGP will share his vision for the Police Service and his expectation of the public with the audience.
The lecture, which is the first of its kind by an IGP, is at the invitation of the university.
The Inspector General of Police, COP Dr George Akuffo Dampare, IGP, has penned down a 5-page response to a report released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and its partners.
The report by GSS and its associates placed the Ghana Police Serviceat the top of the institutions that take the most bribes.
But Dr Dampare reacting to the survey stated that the report doesn’t reflect the current state of the Service.
“We want to place on record that we are concerned about this since the continuous empirically and scientifically unsubstantiated labelling of the police as the most corrupt institution in the country only goes to feed this perception and damage the reputation of the Police Service as well as weaken the morale of its personnel.
“As we have all now come to accept, perception tends to be more powerful than reality, and therefore we have no choice than to share our position on this matter,†Dr Dampare said.
Also, the IGP raised 14 concerns from the report, seeking answers from the researchers.
Find below the 14 reasons, as stated in the police statement of Wednesday, July 27, 2022:
– It has been observed that the research did not cover some other public institutions such as the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Audit Service, Parliamentary Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Gaming Commission, Public Media houses, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC), the Attorney-General’s (AG’s) Department, the Registrar General’s Department among others and these are all institutions, we believe, that the public deal with regularly.
– More importantly, a further scrutiny of the report shows that your two institutions (CHA] and Ghana Statistical Service) were also not part of the research and we are wondering why you do not think they are also candidates for corruption investigation, considering that they also provide critical services to the public.
– We also noticed that some institutions such as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) were disaggregated into components with one part touching on Customs officers and another part on tax officers. Another example is the Ghana Health Service where you had doctors, nurses and midwives in one group and other health workers in the public hospitals constituting the other group. Even some other institutions such as public utility services, which include the Ghana Water Company, Electricity Company of Ghana and others were aggregated as one. One wonders why the lack of consistency in your approach.
– In addition, in some instances you combined different institutions as one entity; for example, prosecutors are not part of the judicial service but you put them together as one. Also, teachers and lecturers, though both operate in the education sector, do not belong to the same institution but were lumped together. We consider this to be a clear case of combining mangoes and oranges to corrupt the flavour of each.
– For some other institutions, only sections were covered; for example, the Judicial Service is not made up of only judges. Lecturers, professors and teachers are not the full complement of the institutions they represent. What about the other officials of these institutions? Do their actions not affect service delivery of their institutions? This is evident that you compared the whole of some institutions to the parts of some others. In specific terms, you compared the whole of the Police Service with sections of the Judicial Service, sections of the GRA and others.
– We Know that there are three branches (arms) of government, namely the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. From our understanding, most of the institutions covered in your research are under the Executive branch and yet, you also introduced another institution named the Executive Branch of Government without offering any explanation as to what it constitutes. Your comment on this will be helpful.
– We have also read that you used some multiple levels of quality assurance to eliminate errors in your research, but looking at the report, we believe we have good reason to be skeptical about this quality assurance mechanism. For example, we wonder whether you made any attempts to verify and authenticate from any of the affected institutions the credibility of the information given interviewees since we cannot feel that in the research.
– From your report, the corruption prevalence rate is determined by the number of contacts who paid bribes or were asked to pay bribes bu refused as a percentage of the total number of contacts. We realized that a contact is defined as at least a single experience with the institution. This suggests that there could be single or multiple contacts. Did you treat multiple contacts and single contacts in the same way, knowing that this would affect the denominator of the corruption prevalence rate formula and therefore the final percentage for each institution and ultimately, the ranking? For example, if there are two people and one of them has had only one contact with institution A, and the other had 20 contacts with institution B. If we treat the 20 contacts as one contact, then in institution A, there will be one contact and in institution B, there will also be one contact. If in institution A, the contact resulted in a bribe, then the prevalence rate will be 100 percent (1/1×100=100%) and if in institution B, the 20 contacts are treated as one, then the prevalence rate will be 100% (1/1×100=100%). However, if we treat the 20 contacts separately, we will have a prevalence rate of 5% (1/20×100=5%) for institution B. This means that the prevalence for institution B will be 20 times less than institution A. We would like to know which approach you used.
– Closely related to point (xili) above is the issue of how often bribes are paid by a single contact to a public official. In your research, it was analysed in isolation and the average number of times a contact paid bribe during the research period was reported. We want to know how this was factored in the computation of the overall prevalence rate which informed the contact-based ranking.
– From your research, the definition of corruption is about the aggregate of those who paid bribes and those who were asked to pay but refused. This aggregate was used to compute the corruption prevalence rat. We are interested in knowing the portion of those who paid bribes as against those who were asked but refused to pay and whether those who refused to pay were disadvantaged in the service they required. This will enable us assess our mechanisms aimed at educating and empowering the public to resist attempts by any officer to engage in any corrupt practices.
– As you are aware, one of the major consequences of corruption is its ability to take away resources meant for socio-economic development for the benefit of all. Therefore, the value of the amount lost to corruption will play a key role in determining the prevalence of corruption and which institutions are causing the most harm when it comes to the size of bribes paid. When you did the ranking using the value-based (size of bribes paid) method, we realised that the Police Service was one of the least corrupt institutions and came nowhere near the top as per figure 21 of page 32 of your report. This should be projected in the same way that the contact-based ranking is being projected. You also indicated that about Five Billion Ghana Cedis was lost to corruption during the period of your research and we would like to know how much of this was police related.
– Using your contacts-based and value-based ranking methods for your analysis, we would like a regional, monthly and departmental breakdown of your findings for the Police Service to enable us pinpoint where the issues are and tackle them.
– We also did not see any specific recommendations in the report and we find it surprising that a major research like this did not offer any recommendations and solutions.
– There is also the real risk that your research may have been affected by a historically pervasive stereotyping of the Police Service. The Service has almost now become the default institution of choice for such research and has therefore encouraged a deep-seated public stereotype over the years. This stereotype may easily influence respondent choices and it is therefore fair to expect that you factor it in assessing the validity of your findings.
The management of Ideal College has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to investigate the violence that was unleashed on students and teachers of the school on Thursday, July 7, 2022.
According to the management of the school, a group of land guards, accompanied by men in police uniforms claiming to be from the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Ghana Police Service, entered the premises of the East Legon branch of the school on Thursday and started the demolition of an assembly hall under construction.
“When the Director of the school sighted what was happening, he decided to confront them to know the authorisation under which the exercise was being carried. The land guards pounced on him and physically assaulted him. Some students who were witnessing what was happening rushed to the scene immediately to rescue their Director.
“These land guards and the men in police uniforms physically assaulted the students as well. This caught the attention of most of the students who also rushed to the scene to defend their colleagues,†the school said in their petition to the IGP.
The management noted that some 20 students suffered minor injuries due to the assault while three others sustained fatal wounds.
The management of Ideal College noted that students and officials of the school have been under persistent attacks by the said land guards over the past three months.
According to the management, this has affected the serenity enjoyed by students at the school, especially final year students who have a month barely to prepare for their West African Secondary School Certificate Examination.
“It is in pursuance of this that we wish to petition your noble outfit to assist redress this issue with the exigency it deserves, by investigating the involvement of the police in this heinous attack and their continuous presence on the school property which poses insecurity and fear in the students†the management said.
“We however wish to commend the Legon Police Station for their timely intervention. You may consult them for further and better particulars,†it added.
Read the full statement below:
Dear Sir,
PETITION AGAINST POLICE SUPERVISION OF BRUTALITIES AGAINSTIDEAL COLLEGE STUDENTS
On the 7th of July, 2022, at about 12.00pm, the school was plunged into a tumultuous season of brutality by some land guards and some suspected policemen.
A group of hooligans suspected to be land guards came in the company of some menin police uniforms, who claim to have come from the Counter TerrorismUnit of the Ghana Police Service to demolish a structure belonging to Ideal College, Legon Branch.
Land Guards assault Ideal College students 2
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They came in three vehicles with registration numbers GN 2982 – 20, GN773- 14 and the other which was not captured. The invaders started demolishing witha caterpillar the structure meant for an assembly hall. When the Director of the school sighted what was happening, he decided to confront them to know the authorisation under which the exercise was being carried.
The landguards pounced on him and physically assaulted him. Some students who were witnessing what was happening rushed to the scene immediately to rescue their Director. These land guards and the men in police uniforms physically assaulted the students as well. This caught the attention of most of the students who also rushed to the scene to defend their colleagues.
Over 20 students have suffered minor injuries whiles 3 students have been woundedfatally. We are currently dealing with the ghoulish situation. There have been consistent attacks by these land guards from the past three months, disturbing the serenity of the school.
The students have barely one month to prepare for WASSCE and cannot enjoy any effective preparation as a result of the avalancheof fear. It is in pursuance of this that we wish to petition your noble outfit to assist redress this issue with the exigency it deserves, by investigating the involvement of the police inthis heinous attack and their continuous presence on the school property which poses insecurity and fear in the students.
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We however wish to commend the Legon Police Station for their timely intervention. You may consult them for further and better particulars.
Kindly find attached to this petition picture evidences of scenes of the situation.
A group of legal practitioners, has petitioned the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to ensure that investigation into gruesome murder of Lawyer Richard Badombie is treated as a matter of urgency.
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The group of legal practitioners, calling themselves friends of Richard Badombie, in it petition pointed out that they suspect a foul play of the purported highway robbery which lead to the death of their colleague.
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The group revealed that no valuables in the Lawyers vehicle were taken by these armed men.
“From the aforementioned narrative, we suspect that the deceased was deliberately targeted to be killed since the assailants did not rob them or take away anything.
“While the motive for this murder is unknown at this moment, only proper and effective investigations can establish the identities of the perpetrators, hence the need to unravel this assassination.â€
They, therefore, appealed to the office of the IGP investigation this heinous crime and ensure all the culprits are prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has placed a GHS20,000 bounty on the heads of the suspected armed robbers who shot and killed Lawyer Badombie during his journey on the Bole-Bamboo highway in the Savannah Region.
“The GBA stands ready and prepared to give a reward of Twenty Thousand Ghana cedis (20,000.00) to anyone who volunteers credible and legitimate information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the crime.â€
Background
The deceased was a lawyer with Lartey, Badombie & Co. Associates in Accra.
He was killed by suspected higwayway robbers while travelling to Jirapa in the Upper West Region with some relatives on Saturday, 28 May 2022.
The robbers, who emerged from the bush, stopped the vehicle on which the lawyer was travelling between Banda Nkwanta and Nuoyir.
The Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has with immediate effect lifted the interdiction placed on the Personal Bodyguard of the Madina MP, Inspector Daniel Agbavor.
It will be recalled that the Police release on 31st October 2021 said that the bodyguard allegedly drove into a crowd recklessly after a protest “endangering the lives of two senior officers and other civiliansâ€.
This was following road demonstrations in Madina and the subsequent attempt by the Police to arrest the MP for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu .
News of lifting of the interdiction was commuted to the Member of Parliament and the Officer through the Parliament Protection Unit (PPU).
President Akufo-Addo says the Police Administration under new IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare is gaining the confidence and trust of the public in the discharge of their duties.
According to him, the Inspector General of Police has instilled law and order after assuming office which has seen improvement in the service.
The President made the observation while delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA), on the floor of Parliament, Wednesday, March 29, 2022.
“The morale of police officers has received a considerable boost and today public focused interventions instituted by the Inspector General of police have resulted in a better police public relationship.
“The police service is gradually regaining the trust and confidence of the public under the leadership of its new Inspector General of Police,†he stated.
He added: “I believe we can all testify that our police service is undergoing a great improvement and a change of image before our very eyes during times of anxiety.â€
Commenting on the need for a responsive policing to boost the Police Service, the ECOWAS Chairman observed that law and order have no respect of persons in the country.
“We need a responsive police service to boost the confidence of the population and it is good to see the police rise up to the challenge. Gradually the police are bringing order to the rules and we all know that the law is no respecter of persons or vehicle types,†President Akufo-Addo noted.
He called on the general public to cooperate with the police to perform their duties to enable the country go about the lives of Ghanaians in peace.
George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, has cautioned his men to recommit to the value of service to the populace.
Dampare who is continuing with his national tour with some high-ranking officers stressed on his stop in the Oti region that the job of the police was to serve “and not to lord over and scare the people.â€
He further underlined the importance of commitment and respect for human rights in whatever tasks police officers are undertaking whenever and wherever they find themselves.
Dampare interacted with a range of officers and community players during his three-day official tour of the Oti region.
The tour, like previous regional engagements, was for him to experience the general security situation in the region and also encourage the personnel to be dedicated to the service and the country in the maintenance of law and order, a Daily Graphic report noted.
The Police chief and his entourage were welcomed by the Oti Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Charles Dormamban.
Aside from meetings with traditional leaders, he also visited some schools and offices of sister security agencies in the region, at every stop buttressing the resolve of Police to maintain peace and calling for increased cooperation.
He reiterated a recent promise to grow the Service into a world-class institution that will better serve the security and overall social development needs of the country.
The Police have in recent times come under attack by a section of Civil Society, accusing them of using archaic laws of ‘spreading false news’ to arrest, detain and charge journalists and activists who are critical of the government.
Edudzi Kudzo Tamekloe, lawyer for Accra FM journalist, Kwabena Bobie Ansah, has expressed vindication in his call for people to moderate their praise for Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo-Dampare.
According to him, the recent arrests of which he considered ‘senseless,’ was a sign that the IGP was now receiving ‘direct calls from above,’ insinuating that he is being influenced by political players.
Edudzi was commenting on the arrest specifically of his client in a Facebook post dated February 11, 2022.
The post read as follows: “I told people from the beginning to be moderate in the praise of IGP, Dr Dampare.Â
“Well, the senseless arrests of journalists are happening under his command with direct calls from above. Look at the complainants. Big men,” he stated.
In another post, he called on the First Lady to sue for defamation if she is so minded and to ask the Police to quit the criminal processes if she is not responsible for the complaint that led to the arrest.
His post read: I am so disappointed that our First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo Addo would want to use the police for this purpose. “If Mrs Rebecca Akufo Addo believes that she has not fraudulently acquire any land in Cantonments, as a private citizen, she can sue for defamation.Â
This is the lowest in the desperate attempt to suppress the media. So now any alleged false publication is criminal?
“If Mrs Rebecca Akufo Addo is not responsible for the arrest and detention of Bobie Ansah, she must call the regime IGP, Dr Dampare to release him forthwith,” he added
Brief about the Bobie vs. State case:Â
Kwabena Bobie Ansah was arrested on Thursday, February 10 for making unsubstantiated allegations against the First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, and wife of the Vice President, Samira Bawumia.Â
The journalist accused the duo of “fraudulently granting themselves state lands at AU Village, around the Kotoka International Airport for the construction of [the] Rebecca Foundation, a non-governmental projectâ€.
The broadcaster, per the police charge sheet made the allegations on January 1, 2022. However, investigations into the matter revealed that it was false.
He has been charged with the publication of false news and offensive conduct following which a Kaneshie District Court granted him a GH¢50,000 bail with two sureties.
Ghana’s Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has said that as part of measures in ensuring discipline in the Ghana Police Service, persons in management are obliged to adhere to all road traffic regulations.
He has disclosed that Police Management Board no longer abuse the use of sirens except in emergency cases.
In the IGP’s statement read on his behalf by the director-general in charge of police patrol, COP Paul Manly Awuni at the 7th Ghana CEO Network Business Cocktail, he noted that the Police Service is fighting indiscipline from two fronts thus “by example and by ensuring that anyone who is indiscipline faces the law, no matter who that person is.”
He said: “Surely, the first step in fighting indiscipline is for people, particularly all categories of leaders to live by example, doing what is right and eschewing what is wrong. In our own small way, we, members of the Police Management Board, are trying to live by example and except when there are emergencies, you will find most of us in traffic, abiding by the road traffic regulations and desisting from abusing the sirens in our official vehicles.”
Speaking at the event held at the Number One Oxford Street Hotel in Accra, COP Paul Manly Awuni furthered: “We believe that if leaders live by example, their followers and members of the public would emulate the examples without questions. In any case, those of them who refuse to do the right thing could then be whipped into line by the leaders with moral courage.”
“The second approach in the fight against indiscipline is to tackle it head on fearlessly, fairly, firmly and transparently. This implies that in enforcing discipline, we must apply what I will call the hot stove principle. When an electric stove is switched on and the surface plate heats up and becomes red-hot, whoever touches it, be the person a millionaire, pauper, assemblyman or ordinary man, it will burn that person and that is it,” Dr Akuffo Dampare charged.
National Chairman of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Nana Ofori Owusu, has cautioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare to be wary of Ghanaians hero-worshipping him.
George Dampare has, since his appointment, been touted as one of the best IGPs Ghana has ever had and being applauded for his determination to rid the nation of lawlessness and criminal activities.
Recently, musicians Shatta Wale and Medikal were arrested and released on bail for misconducting themselves.
The IGP was lauded for the musicians’ arrest as many Ghanaians believed he is setting a good example of no one is above the law.
On Monday, October 25, 2021, the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu joined some residents to stage a protest and in the process blocked some roads creating a riotous situation in the vicinity.
The MP is said to have also driven his vehicle at a top speed through two Police officers and some civilians nearly injuring them.
The Police has requested to interrogate him but he has refused their invite and the Speaker of Parliament has also refused to release him to the Police, citing Articles 117 and 118 of the 1992 constitution.
Discussing the MP’s issue during Peace FM’s morning show ”Kokrokoo”, Nana Ofori Owusu dreaded the IGP is being set up for failure.
According to him, although the IGP is doing well, he should be extremely careful of the praises saying, “I am number 1 supporter of the present IGP . . . Some of his activities, I think it’s just working within the law that other people were not implementing because it is already there. But it appears we’re raising him too much and he is being set up for failure”.
“If you raise him as the person to instil discipline in our society, you have set him up to fail . . . When you hail a person so much, you’ve set the person up for a downfall,” he advised.
The Ghana Police Service has clarified why the bodyguard of the Madina MP, Francis Xavier-Sosu, has been interdicted.
In a statement, the police explained that Inspector Daniel Agbavor has been interdicted on the grounds of alleged misconduct.
“He is alleged to have recklessly driven into a crowd after a protest last Monday, 25th October 2021, in the Madina Constituency, directly endangering the lives of two Senior Officers and other civilians.
“The two officers have officially reported the incident to the Police Administration for investigations and possible disciplinary action.â€
The service further noted that the Parliamentary Protection Unit has been tasked to assign a new guard to the MP.
Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George is not excited at how Police is handling the issue relating to a purported arrest of his fellow lawmaker, Francis-Xavier Sosu.
He insists that the Police are being lawless by the actions in seeking to arrest Sosu, who as a sitting MP enjoys some privileges.
Commenting on an October 31, 2021, statement by Police describing reports of the arrest as “untrue,” he picked on a point where the Police said any plain-clothed officers who may have been at the church premises where Sosu was worshipping may have been there to gather intelligence.
He slammed the Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare and head of Police Public Relations, ACP Kwesi Ofori, telling them to tell their ‘intelligence gathering’ lies to Class 1 children.
“ACP Kwesi Ofori and the IGP should tell their fib to class 1 kids that the plain cloth officers were there to gather intelligence. Absolute bumble!
“If they claim they would use ‘legal means’ to interrogate all suspects, they must be guided by Articles 117 & 118 of the 1992 Constitution and Standing Orders 28 & 30 of Parliament,” he posted on Facebook.
His post accompanied by the Police statement also stressed the need to support the Police at all times when they play by the rules.
“I agree that we must support the Ghana Police Service to maintain law and order. However, we shall resist them when they act outside the remit of the law with reckless abandon and in a capricious manner unbecoming of officers of the law.”
He recounted his experiences at the hands of security professionals during the Ayawaso Wuogon by-election violence and said that had given him a “life mission” to fight for reforms within the Police setup.
“I have been a victim of the lack of professionalism and irresponsibility of SOME police officers and national security personnel and I have made it my life mission to continue to fight for reforms in what should be a model public service institution and I would rest not until we rid the Police Service of these despicable bad nuts.
“The Police is NOT above the Law!” his post concluded.
I agree that we must support the Ghana Police Service to maintain law and order. However, we shall resist them when they act outside the remit of the law with reckless abandon and in a capricious manner unbecoming of officers of the law.
ACP Kwesi Ofori and the IGP should tell their fib to class 1 kids that the plain cloth officers were there to gather intelligence. Absolute bumble! If they claim they would use ‘legal means’ to interrogate all suspects, they must be guided by Articles 117 & 118 of the 1992 Constitution and Standing Orders 28 & 30 of Parliament.
I have been a victim of the lack of professionalism and irresponsibility of SOME police officers and national security personnel and I have made it my life mission to continue to fight for reforms in what should be a model public service institution and I would rest not until we rid the Police Service of these despicable bad nuts.
Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has reacted to the recent events surrounding controversial dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale.
In a 25-line poem posted on Facebook yesterday, October 20, Manasseh reserved mention for two public figures whiles shying away from expressly mentioning Shatta Wale‘s name.
His first line mentions Shatta’s rival, Sarkodie, referring to him as King but it is Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, who gets a double mention in the 21st and 22nd lines.
The 21st line read: “But under Dampare, every foolishness has its limit”
“Dampare is large and in charge!” he wrote in the 22nd line to buttress his point about the need to do what is right even with the trappings and lure of lawlessness.
The Ghana Police Service on Wednesday stated at a press conference that Shatta Wale will be arraigned before a court today over allegations of causing false news to be published relative to a gun attack on him last Monday.
Police arrested him on Tuesday after he turned himself in, having been declared wanted earlier. He spent his second night in police custody.
The IGP was celebrated on social media following Shatta Wale‘s arrest with most social media users calling for the musician to be dealt with according to the law.
Many cited the recent treatment meted out to Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah and that of the fake Takoradi pregnancy and kidnap case to buttress the need for the musician to not be treated any differently.
Read Manasseh’s full post below:
King Sark said No Pressure That advice should have been a treasure For life is not a race Everyone has their pace But some would resort to anything for fame Even if it would end in shame They use shortcuts to rise in the game But it takes more than noise to keep one’s name In their current state, they ought to be wistful But in their fleeting glory of yore, they are wishful In comparison with others’ success, they’re flattered But the consistency of others keeps them flustered So they’d do anything to rise Even if it’s as inferior as “tugyimi” rice Because trending is where their pride lies But now they’re cold like ice In their antics, however, they should not lose sight That things are no longer loose, but tight We aren’t saints, but we must strive to do right It’s true that lawlessness is in our remit It’s true that the powerful can even build without a permit But under Dampare, every foolishness has its limit Dampare is large and in charge! And we’ve got to know What Time It Is! Now, the beginning of wisdom is a declaration to thyself: “I Know My Level.”
On Monday evening, October 18, a viral post on social media had it that Shatta Wale had been shot at East Legon and was receiving emergency medical treatment at an unnamed hospital.
Police issued a statement saying no shooting incident had been recorded nor have the artiste been found at any hospital per their checks.
The following morning, Shatta Wale released a statement defending why he staged an attack citing police indifference after a prophecy was released in September about a gun attack on him.
The Ghana Police Service on Tuesday evening announced the arrest of Shatta Wale after he turned himself in.
According to a statement, the musician who had been declared wanted was subsequently arrested to assist with investigations into an October 18 viral post that he had been the victim of a gun attack.
The statement read in part: “The Police have arrested Charles Nii Armah Mensah popularly known as Shatta Wale. After we publicly declared him and one other person wanted, the suspect, Shatta Wale, turned himself in today Tuesday 19th October, 2021, at 8.59pm.
“He has been arrested to assist the Police in investigations for his alleged involvement in the creation and circulation of information intended to cause fear and panic.â€
Two photos accompanying the police information showed the musician in one frame bespectacled, in handcuffs and spotting a broad smile. The other photo shows a more sullen Shatta Wale.
The police also reiterated its warning to members of the public: “to desist from publishing false information, capable of disturbing the peace of the country or risk being arrested and prosecuted.â€
Manasseh Azure Awuni, an Investigative Journalist, has stated that the arrest of Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah and three others must be commended.
According to him, it is a great sign of progress when “lawless people cannot threaten the lives of others or act with impunity because of their closeness to political power.â€
The Ghana Police Service, on Sunday, September 12, arrested the founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries International for creating “multiple videos containing threats, the brandishing of a weapon and the assault of some police personnel.â€
According to a widely circulated circular, Rev Owusu Bempah was arrested together with three other suspects namely; Michael Boateng, Frederick Ohene and Nathaniel Agyekum, on Sunday, September 13, 2021, at his church premises.
The police indicated that, two other suspects are currently on the run and they [police] are pursuing them.
The police explained that, Rev Owusu Bempah and the three others were “being detained for further investigations over the creation and circulation of multiple videos containing threats, the brandishing of a weapon and the assault of some police personnel.
“After critically analyzing the said videos and based on intelligence gather, the police embarked on an operation on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at the premises of the church to arrest the suspects.â€
Also, Felix Ansah, a 35-year-old taxi driver was also arrested for his alleged involvement in what they say are several murders.
The taxi driver confessed during a television interview on September 2, 2021.
“The Police have commenced investigations into claims made by one Felix Ansah, a 35-year-old taxi driver, in an interview he granted on Onua TV, September 2, 2021, where he alleged that he had killed several persons for ritual purposes,†the police statement read in part.
Reacting to this on his Facebook timeline, Manasseh Azure Awuni wrote, “I’ve read a statement from the Ghana Police Service that one of the untouchable men in our republic, Isaac Owusu Bempah, is in police custody with three of his accomplices. Other accomplices, the police statement said, are on the run. The statement said they’d be put before court today.â€
He added, “it will be a great sign of progress when we get to a point where lawless people cannot threaten the lives of others or act with impunity because of their closeness to political power.
“The IGP and the Ghana Police Service must be commended for acting on the viral video involving Owusu Bempah and his associates. I’d read an earlier statement that said a taxi driver who had confessed on television to taking part in murders has been picked up following the interview.â€
The Acting Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare will later today, Wednesday, August 25, 2021, commission a Motor Traffic and Accident Monitoring and Surveillance Center.
The newly established center is expected to assist police personnel conduct real-time assessments of road traffic offenses, accidents, and other related issues.
According to the police, the center will be used to monitor street cameras meant to fight crime within the city.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and Citi TV have embarked on the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign to curb indiscipline among motorists on the roads.
The exercise is focused on arresting errant drivers, processing them for court, and have them fined.
It covered roads noted for reckless driving within and outside Accra.
For the second of the exercise, some 40 drivers have been nabbed for breaking various Road Traffic Regulations with 19 of them fined over GHS18,000.
The Acting Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare has undertaken his very first major reshuffling in the police service.
Reports indicate that over 30 prominent personnel in the police service have been affected by the overhaul.
Key amongst these persons include Director-General of Welfare, Maame Tiwaa Addo Danquah; Head of Education, Research and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Superintendent Alexander Obeng; Public Relations Officer of the Criminal Investigations Department, DSP Juliana Obeng; Director-General in charge of Police Operations, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
The officers are expected to take up their new positions with immediate effect.
Below are the names of officers and their new roles, according to reliable sources:
COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah (Mrs) – Police Intelligence and Professional Standards Bureau
COP Vincent Redeemer Dedjoe – Special Duties
COP Edward Tabiri – Director-General in charge of ICT
COP Frederick Adu Anim – Human Resource
COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno – Administration
DCOP Kwadwo Beapea Otchere – Regional Commander for Kasoa
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, July 21, announced the pending retirement of Inspector General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh in a statement that also named his immediate replacement.
The statement read in part: “Until a substantive Inspector General of Police is appointed, in accordance with the dictates of the Constitution, President Akufo-Addo has asked Commissioner of Police George Akuffo Dampare, PhD, to serve as acting Inspector General of Police with effect from Sunday, 1st August, 2021.â€
With the announcement, security sector players have been offering their views on a number of issues ranging from priority areas the new police chief should focus on, challenges he is likely to face and whether or not he will eventually be confirmed as IGP.
GhanaWeb presents a number of these views as reported by media outlets since the announcement was made.
Security Analyst Adam Bonaa, speaking on Joy News TV
I was expecting this to happen by the first of July. We had a run of insecurity events that delayed his appointment. It’s better late than never.
Currently, there is no structure. He needs to restructure the Ghana Police Service. Some of us want to see our police officers performing policing duties again.
Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Vice-Chairperson, Defence & Interior Committee of Parliament
I think his appointment has come at the right time. At a time, where the trust in the Ghana Police Service has gone down. I’m positive that he is going to change a lot of things within the Police Service.
I think his priority will be to transform and restructure the Ghana Police Service. Knowing Dampare well and with our support, I know he is going to deliver expectedly.
Prof. Kwesi Aning of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Center
The level of rottenness in the Ghana Police Service contributed to this choice. Dr. Dampare is not a push-over. He has broad shoulders and has the right experience.
He is the right man who can bring Ghana Police Service to the right level we want. That is the IGP we are looking and that is the IGP we want.
He needs to bring some form of personal motivation. The Ghana Police Service needs it most especially at this time.
Security Analyst Adib Saani speaking on GBC
I have serious misgivings about acting (role). Because any one of them, any one of the commissioners can be an IGP, if you don’t confirm there is always room for bickering, unnecessary lobbying, which takes their attention from the core duty of policing.
Besides, the acting IGP might also want to succumb to the whims and caprices of politicians in order to be confirmed. So even as acting, he has virtually been taken hostage.
