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Tag: IGP

  • Dual report on military involvement in 2024 elections shows you are a coward – Security policy expert to IGP

    Dual report on military involvement in 2024 elections shows you are a coward – Security policy expert to IGP

    Security policy expert Anthony Acquaye has criticized Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare for the police service’s response to comments made by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Gabriel Prince regarding security arrangements for the 2024 general elections.

    Mr Acquaye views the police service’s disassociation from DCOP Gabriel Prince’s comments, stating that the Ghana Armed Forces would not be involved in election security, as a display of cowardice and weakness on the part of the IGP.

    The police service released a statement on February 20, 2024, distancing itself from the senior officer’s remarks made in a television interview on February 19, 2024.

    The comments were deemed unfounded, and the police subsequently initiated internal disciplinary processes against DCOP Gabriel Prince.

    In response, Mr Acquaye expressed that Gabriel’s comments resonated with the aspirations of many Ghanaians, who prefer the military not be involved in electoral activities due to recent electoral violence.

    He pointed to the successful police supervision of by-elections in Kumawu and Assin North without military involvement as evidence of confidence in the IGP’s leadership.

    “Mr IGP, I must tell you in your face that this statement from your outfit has exposed your cowardness, for not being the man you portray yourself to be, your inability to stand firm by the guiding principle and upholding the golden rule of oneness in the service, by sacrificing a fellow senior most officer whose statement gave hope and assurance to Ghanaians on how prepared and capable your institution is, ahead of the forthcoming 2024 general election.

    “Mr IGP, the statement from your outfit is not only unfortunate but also demoralised the spirits of your men and women and exposes the weakness of your leadership,” part of the statement read.

    “Mr IGP, I am by this write-up challenging the Ghana Police Service under your leadership to come out and explain to Ghanaians what is factually wrong with the statement made by DCOP Gabriel Prince Waabu which has warranted him to be subjected to an internal disciplinary process.

    “Mr IGP, I need answers to these questions, Is it not factually correct that the 1992 constitution mandates the police institution as the custodian of the country’s internal security operations in maintaining peace, law and order? Again, which part of the 1992 constitution states that the decision by the police not to involve the military in election security in Ghana is unconstitutional?” he questioned.

    What DCOP Prince said in the interview that warranted the disassociation and discipline by the Ghana Police Service

    “Like how we organized all those elections within last year and whatever happened in 2022, a lesson has been learned out of it. We are not maybe going to involve the military, as it were, because it was not even the police that came up with this issue.

    “So, it’s going to be only the police, prisons, fire and immigration that is going to conduct these elections. They are going to support us; it is our baby, it is the police’s baby, but we will want to co-opt in our sister security to help in one way or the other,” he explained.

    Read Anthony Acquaye’s full statement below:

    OPEN LETTER TO THE IGP OF THE GHANA POLICE SERVICE

    Dear Mr IGP,

    I write about a letter released under your command and control dated 19th February 2024 with reference number and heading; PAD/PRESS/VOL4/1/93 and POLICE STATEMENT ON COMMENT BY DCOP MR GABRIEL PRINCE WAABU ON ELECTION SECURITY respectively, where the Police Service claimed to disassociate itself from a comment made by DCOP Gabriel Prince, during a panel discussion on JoyNews, that the Police Service had learned lessons on ensuring peaceful elections, which means it will exclude the military from this year’s election.

    Mr IGP, I am putting it to you that the statement made by DCOP Gabriel Prince Waabu has been the aspiration of many Ghanaians looking forward to seeing you achieve it, as one of your strategic goals going into the 2024 general election after parading your gallant men and women to successfully supervise two crucial by-elections at Kumawu and Assin North without the direct involvement of the military which made some of us have the confidence in your leadership to fully ensure that the authority given to the Ghana Police Service by the 1992 constitution is strictly exercise without any fear or favour.

    But Mr IGP, I must tell you in your face that this statement from your outfit has exposed your cowardness, for not being the man you portray yourself to be, your inability to stand firm by the guiding principle and upholding the golden rule of oneness in the service, by sacrificing a fellow senior most officer whose statement gave hope and assurance to Ghanaians on how preparedness and capable your institution is, ahead of the forthcoming 2024 general election.

    Mr IGP, the statement from your outfit is not only unfortunate but also demoralises the spirits of your men and women and exposes the weakness of your leadership.

    Mr IGP, I am by this write-up challenging the Ghana Police Service under your leadership to come out and explain to Ghanaians what is factually wrong with the statement made by DCOP Gabriel Prince Waabu which has warranted him to be subjected to an internal disciplinary process.

    Mr IGP, I need answers to these questions; Is it not factually correct that the police institution is mandated by the 1992 constitution as the custodian of the country’s internal security operations in maintaining peace, law and order? Again, which part of the 1992 constitution states that the decision by the police not to involve the military in election security in Ghana is unconstitutional?

    Mr IGP, learning from the 2020 General Election, where eight citizens were killed by soldiers, with one of their justifications linked to how they are trained in handling civilian matters born fundamentally out of the military doctoral framework, I would expect that, if your administration has in its election security strategy to involve soldiers at the front line in the forthcoming 2024 general election, Ghanaians should by now know the explicit role of the military and how you are going to address the command and control friction that emerges between the police and the soldiers during joint security operation, and moreover, how soldiers can be educated on the basic law enforcement practices and policing culture to avoid some of this unfortunate incident that occurred during the 2020 general election.

    Signed

    Anthony Acquaye

    Mr Acquaye criticized the police’s U-turn on the matter, asserting that it contradicts the IGP’s previously respected leadership. He accused the IGP of exposing weakness and demoralizing the police force with the handling of this situation.

    The security expert challenged IGP Dampare to explain to the public what factual inaccuracies in DCOP Prince’s statements warranted internal disciplinary action.

  • Court orders IGP, others, to pay GH250k for assaulting man

    Court orders IGP, others, to pay GH250k for assaulting man

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and three others have been ordered to pay damages totaling GH¢253,709 as compensation to a father of four who was assaulted by a police officer, resulting in his “inability to have an erection.”

    The High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Kwasi Adjenin-Boateng, ruled that the police officer used “unreasonable force” during the arrest.

    Isaac Manu, a welder, was arrested in 2016 based on suspicion by his former employer of stealing a KIA Sportage car.

    Mr Manu filed a lawsuit on May 31, 2019, seeking general damages for assault, special damages for medical expenses, compensation for psychological trauma, compensation for loss of earnings, loss of livelihood, and aggravated damages for his inability to have an erection.

    The court found that Mr Manu’s arrest involved unreasonable force, with injuries to his face and eyes. Manu had sought medical attention, and subsequent examinations revealed permanent damage to his left eye.

    Additionally, he claimed he could not have an erection after the assault.

    In response, the defendants, including the Attorney General, Vivian Adeoku, Matthew Adrah, and Kwesi Asare, argued that the force used was minimal and reasonable during the arrest, and Manu’s injuries were minor.

    The court, however, ruled in favor of the plaintiff, awarding general damages of GH¢10,000.00, special damages of GH¢43,709.00, and compensation for loss of livelihood and psychological trauma totaling GH¢200,000.00.

    The defendants were jointly and severally ordered to pay these damages, along with a cost of GH¢20,000.00. Additionally, a cost of GH¢5,000.00 was awarded in favor of Vivian Adeoku, the third defendant.

  • Policer officer assaults civilian in Takoradi, gets interdicted

    Policer officer assaults civilian in Takoradi, gets interdicted

    The Ghana Police Service has taken disciplinary action by interdicting Police Officer № 49187, General Corporal Wise Bessey, stationed at the Takoradi District Police Command.

    This decision comes in response to an alleged assault on a member of the public in Takoradi, Western Region.

    The interdiction is intended to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the incident, focusing on the professional conduct of Corporal Wise Bessey in accordance with Police Service Regulations.

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has personally reached out to the victim, assuring them of necessary Police assistance and a thorough investigation into the matter.

    A statement by the Police added “We would like to assure the general public that the Police will continue to ensure that professionalism is maintained at all times in the discharge of our mandate.”

  • IGP Dampare ranks in 100 most reputable Africans

    IGP Dampare ranks in 100 most reputable Africans

    In a recent survey conducted by Reputation Poll International, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector-General of Police, has been recognized as one of the 100 most reputable leaders in Africa.

    This prestigious acknowledgment places him in the company of other distinguished leaders in the country, including Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, and Dr. Mensa Otabil.

    The poll specifically aims to honour individuals who have not only made noteworthy contributions to their respective fields but have also cultivated a robust and commendable reputation.

    The Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare

    Below are details of the poll

    Reputation Poll International (RPI), a leading reputation management and public relations consultancy firm has announced the 2024 list of its annual publication of 100 Most Reputable Africans, which recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have built a strong reputation.

    The list features prominent Ghanaians such as the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, The Church of Pentecost Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Cardinal Peter Turkson and ICGC General Overseer Dr. Mensa Otabil.

    Other Ghanaians on the list are Fred Swaniker, Roberta Annan, Dr Sangu Delle, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, Hon Sophia Karen Edem Ackuaku and HRM Drolor Bosso Adamtey.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIoCdOQ3N90

    This year’s list features a diverse group of individuals from various sectors, including politics, business, entertainment, and human rights advocacy. Some of the notable names listed in the business category include Nigeria’s Femi Otedola; Sudanese-British billionaire businessman Mo Ibrahim and Zimbabwe’s Kenneth Sharpe. Mahmood Mamdani; Chancellor at Kampala International University; Tanzanian’s biodiversity leader Elizabeth Maruma Mrema Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Liberia’s Former president Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

    In addition to the individuals recognised on Reputation Poll International’s “100 Most Reputable Africans” list for their various achievements, there are also those who are celebrated for their contributions to social impact and social entrepreneurship, helping to transform businesses in Africa and positively impacting lives without causing controversy.

    Beninese Singer & songwriter Angelique Kidjo and Danai Jekesai Zimbabwean-American Actress were featured in the entertainment category.

    All things considered, the list of the 100 Most Reputable Africans is evidence of the tenacity and resiliency of the African continent. It draws attention to the accomplishments of people who are trying to change the world and make a better life for others.

    The list serves as a source of inspiration for all Africans and a reminder of the numerous gifted and accomplished people changing the globe.

  • Rtd ACP Agordzo reveals details of former IGP’s ‘mysterious’ call leading to his 2019 detention

    Rtd ACP Agordzo reveals details of former IGP’s ‘mysterious’ call leading to his 2019 detention

    Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Agordzo has shed light on a pivotal conversation he had with the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh, just before his arrest in November 2019.

    Agordzo recounted the unfolding events, stating, “It all started on one Thursday. I had just returned from Winneba after teaching master of philosophy students, and then I received a call from the then IGP. I don’t want to mention names, okay? Okay, the then IGP. Um, and I realized that there was some urgency in his call. ‘Ben, where are you? Where are you?’”

    The retired ACP emphasized the unusual urgency in the IGP’s tone and directive to meet immediately. “And I said I was in town. ‘See me in my office right now.’ I was a bit concerned because we had been speaking, and he had never spoken to me that way.”

    “I went there only to be informed that the BNI wanted to see me and that I should report to the BNI the next day, which was a Friday”, he said.

    Agordzo, curious about the reason for the urgency, sought information about the summons from then Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) now National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). “I asked my IGP whether they had given any reasons for my invitation. He said no. I said, ‘Could you please find out? Because I needed to know why I’m going to the BNI.’”

    Despite promising to get back to Agordzo with the information, the former IGP provided no reasons for the BNI summons. Agordzo continued, “That Friday I told him I was traveling to… (Did not complete sentence) And I had returned from a mission, and I had not reported officially to the police service. So, I was free to move. ‘Okay.’ So, I told him I was going for a funeral.”

    However, Agordzo discovered that news of his arrest and bail had circulated even before he reported. “Interestingly, by the time I got home at Vakpo, the news was all over. The news was all over that I had been arrested and granted bail. Nobody had arrested me then,” he recounted.

    He highlighted the apparent propaganda and premeditation behind the situation. “That tells you the propaganda behind the whole thing because they had already planned everything and schemed it in such a way that they had already given our names out to certain media houses and other things. So, whether I reported or not, it was reported that I had reported because they were sure that I was going to report that Friday. And so, even though I did not report, it was there. So, Monday, I reported.”

    “That was the beginning of a very long story, taking me over four and a half almost four years, three months,” Dr Agordzo noted.

    This revelation adds a new layer to the circumstances surrounding Agordzo’s detention, raising questions about the motives behind his summons by the NIB. The former IGP’s alleged role in this sequence of events becomes a focal point, further intensifying the intrigue surrounding the case.

  • NPP Primaries: Moses Abor lodges election rigging complaints against Henry Quartey; petitions the IGP

    NPP Primaries: Moses Abor lodges election rigging complaints against Henry Quartey; petitions the IGP


    Moses Abor, a prominent contender in the Ayawaso Central race, has accused the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Henry Quartey, of attempting to manipulate the upcoming January 27 elections.

    Abor has formally lodged a complaint with the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, outlining several concerns.

    Among the allegations, Abor points to the Regional Minister’s purported plans to deploy “illegal security personnel” and police officers sympathetic to him for election-day security services with the intention of influencing the election outcome. Abor asserts that these actions are aimed at intimidating and harassing delegates who are perceived as supporting him.

    Additionally, Abor claims that Henry Quartey and his associates have devised a complex strategy to unlawfully tamper with the election results by stuffing vote boxes with pre-marked ballots.

    Moses Abor, who held the position of Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser for the NPP from 2017 until his resignation in September last year, declared his candidature for the Ayawaso Central seat.

    Read Moses Abor’s petition:

    I am Moses Abor, an aspiring Member of Parliament in the Ayawaso Central Constituency (hereinafter referred to as “Constituency”) and I refer to the above subject matter.

    My attention has been drawn to the fact that the Greater Accra Regional Minister and Member of Parliament of the Ayawaso Central Constituency. Hon. Henry Quartey, who is also a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary primaries in the same constituency, intends to use illegal security personnel to disrupt the election process on the 27, 2024, to his favour.


    Amongst other things, the Greater Accra Regional Minister intends to employ private security personnel and personnel from the Ghana Police Service who owe allegiance to him to intimidate and harass delegates whom he perceives as my supporters on the said day.

    I also have information that during counting, he intends to unleash hooligans to snatch ballot papers and possibly burn them to halt the process if it goes otherwise.

    Together with my team, we have intercepted a grand agenda by the Regional Minister to stuff the ballot boxes with his thumb-printed ballot papers when voting is ongoing. As law-abiding citizens, we do not intend to take the law into our own hands.


    We therefore petition the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take a special interest in the elections of Ayawaso Central and deploy professional police personnel to the venue on the voting day to avoid clashes and ensure the election is free and fair.

  • Agalga confirms findings in leaked report on alleged plot to oust IGP

    A member of the ad-hoc Parliamentary Committee responsible for probing the leaked tape implicating senior police officers in an alleged plot against the Inspector General of Police, James Agalga, has disclosed that the committee’s yet-to-be-finalized report closely corresponds to the information already circulating in the public domain.

    Mr. Agalga admitted that, while the committee has not officially completed its tasks or submitted the final report to the Speaker of Parliament, the initial findings and recommendations do not significantly deviate from the information already available to the public.

    Although he acknowledged being aware of the leaked report circulating, Agalga abstained from making detailed comments on its content. He stressed the importance of fairness and reserved judgment until the committee’s work concludes formally.

    “I have seen the report which is making the rounds, the committee hasn’t concluded its work yet, but I take note of the fact that certain things said in there may not be substantially different from what we said in the original draft,” he conveyed to Joy News.

    The leaked report, purported to be a draft copy of the committee’s findings, suggested sanctions for the implicated senior police officers.

    However, the Chairman of the committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, clarified that the committee has not concluded its work and, therefore, urged the public to exercise patience while awaiting the official and finalised report.

  • Write your will if you plan to rig 2024 elections in Volta Region – Kwame Agbodza warns opponents

    Write your will if you plan to rig 2024 elections in Volta Region – Kwame Agbodza warns opponents

    The Chief Whip of the Minority in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has issued a caution, specifically aimed at those considering election rigging in the Volta Region.

    The MP was unequivocal in his warning, advising anyone contemplating electoral manipulation to even consider preparing their wills in advance.

    “Volta Region is ready to protect the ballot. Volta cannot be a crime scene in 2024 where any single life will be lost in the 2024 general elections.

    “I can assure you, anybody planning, you can change the commander of the navy, IGP, in fact you can even make yourself the IGP or the army commander. If anybody comes to the Volta Region and attempts to rig the election by hurting any person, will not tell you what to do but maybe write your will and everything before you come here,” he said.

    Emphasizing a dedication to peaceful elections, Agbodza made it explicit that the people of the Volta Region would not endure any encroachment on their democratic rights.

    “… We shall not start any fight because of the election but if anybody comes here to start a fight, we shall complete it,” he added, details by TV3 have said. 

    Kwame Governs Agbodza addressed a gathering of NDC supporters in the Volta Region during the ‘Building Ghana Tour,’ organized by the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, in the region.

  • This is not our handiwork – Atta Akyea debunks leaked draft report on plot to oust IGP

    This is not our handiwork – Atta Akyea debunks leaked draft report on plot to oust IGP

    Chairman of Parliament’s ad hoc committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, investigating the suspected plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has strongly refuted the contents of a leaked draft report purportedly originating from the committee. 

    The leaked document has raised questions and concerns about the ongoing probe into the alleged plot against the IGP.

    In an interview on JoyNews, he said, “With the greatest of respect, this is not the handiwork of the committee.”

    He clarified that the committee members are currently awaiting the clerk to compile a report for their review and consideration.

    Hence, according to the legislator, anything disclosed in the public domain does not accurately represent the proceedings and findings of the committee.

    “The members of the committee are waiting for the clerk to tease out a report for our consideration and it is very distasteful that anybody bandies this about that this is the report of the committee. A report of the committee will be signed by a committee will be signed by the chairman and the clerk,” he said.

    The allegedly leaked draft report vindicates the IGP and indicts the three police officers named in the leaked tape saga.

    According to Atta-Akyea, the committee is yet to make any recommendation on the case, thus the public should disregard the content of the said leaked draft report.

  • 3 police officers in plot to oust IGP lied under oath – Parliamentary Committee

    3 police officers in plot to oust IGP lied under oath – Parliamentary Committee

    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.

  • 3 senior police officers in anti-Dampare plot indicted for perjury

    3 senior police officers in anti-Dampare plot indicted for perjury

    The Parliamentary Committee tasked with investigating the leaked tape involving three senior police officers conspiring to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has officially absolved the IGP of any wrongdoing.

    According to a preliminary report, the Atta Akyea Committee recommended a thorough inquiry into the conduct of the three senior officers, suggesting the possibility of pursuing perjury charges.

    “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).

    “In order to safeguard the sanctity of the appointment of an IGP and, in particular, shield the appointment process from perceptions of partisanship and political “manipulation”, there is the need to review/amend article 202(1) of the Constitution, 1992, Police Service Act, (Act 350) and related legislation/statutes fundamentally to secure the independence of the office of the IGP,” the recommendation read.

    The Committee also found all the allegations made against the IGP to be baseless and unsubstantiated.

    Below are excerpts of draft report by the Committee

    RECOMMENDATIONS

    In view of the issues raised before the Committee and resolved by the investigations and evidence uncovered by the Committee, the Committee makes the following recommendations for consideration by the Rt. Honourable Speaker;
    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).

    In order to safeguard the sanctity of the appointment of an IGP and, in particular, shield the appointment process from perceptions of partisanship and political “manipulation”, there is the need to review/amend article 202(1) of the Constitution, 1992, Police Service Act, (Act 350) and related legislation/statutes fundamentally to secure the independence of the office of the IGP.

    The office of the IGP shall be on the same terms and condition of service of a Justice of the Court of Appeal except that the tenure of office shall be non-renewable after the attainment of compulsory retirement of sixty years (60).

    A serving/sitting IGP shall not be removed from office except for stated misbehaviour or incompetence; incapacity to perform the functions of the office by reason of infirmity of body or mind and related misconduct provided under the Police Service Act or Regulations.

    Relatedly, parliament should expedite action on the enactment of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers Bill to address professional dilemmas that may lead to conflict of interest.

    Additionally, safeguarding the sanctity of the election security management, the IGP, as head of the National Election Security Task Force, should ensure transparency in the deployment of security personnel engaged in election security management operations and, where such personnel are found to have acted unprofessionally in the discharge of their duties, including in violent intimidation of a voter, they should be held accountable by the GPS or the appropriate external accountable authority/body.

    In order to promote professional and adherence to good practice, the Police Council and/or POMAB should put in place a programme of continuous professional training of police personnel at all levels regarding the legal, policy and normative frameworks (regional, national and international) for regulating professional, ethical policing, as well as professional dilemmas associated with conflict of interest. In this connection, it is worthwhile for the GPS to collaborate with key stakeholders, particularly the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry for Justice and related civil society actors to achieve this objective.

    Urgent steps should be taken by the Police Council towards establishment of an Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC) modelled on global good/best practices pertaining in jurisdictions such as South Africa, England and Wales, Northern Ireland, Canada, Malasia, etc., to replace the existing Police Professional Standard Bureau (PPSB). PPSB currently serves as as an internal accountable mechanism dedicated to maintenance of professional standards by checking acts of misconduct and unprofessional/unethical conduct involving police personnel. The need for the establishment of IPCC is anchored in the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights Resolution 13a, 2006 on “Police Reform, Accountability and Civilian Oversight in Africa”, which aims at enhancement of peace and security, checking abuse of power and professional misconduct by police personnel. The proposed IPCC primarily would function as an independent oversight body Ombudsman) for purposes of ensuring internal and external accountability relative to the GPS.

    Strict enforcement of the provisions under the Police Service Act 1970 (Act 350) and the Police Service Regulations 2012 (C.I. 76), prohibiting serving police officers from engaging in activities outside his or her duties as a police officer which may lead to political controversy as the Committee found for the three senior police officers in this enquiry.

    9.0 FINDINGS OF FACT

    The Committee established the following as findings of fact based on the evidence gathered and undisputed by all the witnesses who appeared before the Committee:

    1. There were two audio tapes (first and second tapes) that served as the primary evidence for the Committee’s investigation. The first audio tape was one that went viral in the public domain and was made available to the Committee by Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament. The second audio tape was made available to the Committee by Chief Bugri Naabu through his lawyer, Mr. Raymong Dornyo. The first and second audio tapes formed one audio tape with different durations.

    2. The two audio tapes were authenticated by the four key witnesses who testified before the Committee namely Chief Bugri Naabu, COP Alex Mensah Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Eric Emmanuel Gyebi. They all confirmed their voices as captured in the audio tapes as true representation of their voices as well as the contents therein.

    3. Chief Bugri Naabu, COP George Alex Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Eric Emmanuel Gyebi conspired, purposely to remove the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare because of his alleged unsubstantiated affiliation to the NDC. These allegations by the senior police officers were found to be unsubstantiated and therefore without basis but were sold to Chief Bugri Naabu by the COP George Alex Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Eric Emmanuel Gyebi in order to rile up the political sentiments of Chief Bugri Naabu and secure his support for their cause to remove the IGP and replace him with COP George Alex Mensah.

    4. The combined effect of the content of the leaked audio tape and the testimony of the three Senior Police officers before the Committee confirm that all the senior police officers captured in the leaked audio tape publicly declared their affiliation, sympathy and possible membership of the NPP, a circumstance that is prohibited by the Police Serve Act and its regulations. 5. It was also established as a fact that there was intense lobbying initiated through Chief Bugri Naabu by COP Alex Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Eric Emmanuel Gyebi aimed at removing the current IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare because of the unsubstantiated claim by COP Alex Mensah, Supt. George Asare and Supt. Eric Emmanuel Gyebi that Dr. Akuffo Dampare is capable of frustrating the electoral fortunes of the NPP in the 2024 General Election.

    6. The conspiracy to remove the current IGP, Dr. Akuffo Dampare, initiated by COP George Alex Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Eric Emmanuel Gyebi is to allow for a more submissive, pliant IGP to help the NPP “break the 8”, has the potential to undermine the integrity of the forthcoming 2024 General Election and could potentially undermine the true will of the citizenry in respect of their right to freedom of choice and the right to vote as guaranteed under Article 21(13) of the Constitution and international human rights for which Ghana subscribes to, and a State Party to, particularly Article 21(1) (3) of the UDHR and Article 25 (a) (b) of the ICCPR.

  • Was Nigel Gaisie’s New Year prophecies directed at IGP Dampare?

    Was Nigel Gaisie’s New Year prophecies directed at IGP Dampare?

    In the early hours of January 1, 2024, Nigel Gaisie, the founder of Prophetic Hill Chapel, shared his New Year prophecies, primarily focusing on the political landscape of the country in an election year.

    One significant revelation was his prediction that former president John Dramani Mahama would secure re-election, marking a triumphant return after facing two consecutive defeats.

    Gaisie also delved into the parliamentary arena, suggesting that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) could potentially increase their seats to around 170, a notable rise from their current 137 seats.

    However, amidst these projections, Gaisie issued a cautionary note to the NDC, advising them to remain vigilant in light of potential attempts to manipulate the election results by the ruling government.

    Furthermore, Gaisie expressed concern about a yet-to-be-named police chief, urging them to uphold fairness during the elections to ensure their retention under the incoming government.

    This dual warning underscored Gaisie’s emphasis on the need for integrity and transparency in both the electoral process and the conduct of key figures within law enforcement.

    “A police chief who can take care of security will likely be retained as IGP; if he will order his steps well, he will be retained,” the prophet said adding: “If he is careful, he will be called upon to be a running mate (later).”

    Leading the current police administration is George Akuffo Dampare, serving as the Inspector-General of Police. However, he has faced criticism from religious leaders, particularly from men of God.

    This backlash stems from allegations that his directives, which aim to curb prophecies inducing fear and panic, are deemed ungodly and unacceptable by these spiritual figures.

    The controversy surrounding Dampare’s stance on prophetic messages has sparked a debate, highlighting tensions between law enforcement policies and religious freedoms.

  • Prophecy communication is not your mandate – Pastor tells IGP

    Prophecy communication is not your mandate – Pastor tells IGP

    The Resident Pastor of Christ Bible Ministry International, Rev. Ofori Jacob, has dismissed the concerns raised by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, regarding the communication of prophecies by religious leaders as the year comes to a close.

    In an effort to curb the trend of some religious leaders, particularly prophets, instilling fear in Ghanaians through prophecies, the Police issued a reminder this week about the law on the publication of false news, urging compliance from the general public, especially the religious community.

    While acknowledging the right to practice faith and freedom of speech, the Police emphasized that these rights should be exercised with respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.

    “The Police would like to remind the public that while we have the right to practice our faith and freedom of speech as guaranteed by our constitution and democratic values, we want to reiterate that the enjoyment of these rights are subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.

    “As we have come to consider December 27th as Prophecy Communication Compliance Day, the Ghana Police Service is once again urging religious communities to practice their faith within the legal framework. In the spirit of the season, we wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,” the Police statement said.

    In response, Rev. Ofori Jacob, in an interview with GHOne News, asserted that the Inspector-General of Police does not hold the mandate to regulate spiritual affairs in Ghana.

    He highlighted that there are existing regulations that guide the conduct of the body of Christ within the national framework.

    According to Rev. Ofori Jacob, the IGP aims to bring order and sanity into the system. However, he emphasized that in matters concerning the church, the ultimate authority is the Lord Jesus Christ, who directs the course of action.

    While acknowledging the need for regulation and streamlining in the church, he reiterated that the IGP is not the regulator of spiritual affairs in the country.

    “He is an enforcer of law and when it comes to spirituality, he has not been given that mandate in Ghana. There are regulations that bring the body of Christ to where the nation as it were will want us to be. The IGP just wants to bring, as they say, sanity into the system.

    “But mind you, when it comes to the church, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head and he directs what must be done. Of course, we are in a generation that when people begin to see the world as it was coming at the church so strong, it is good. We are trying to regulate and streamline things, however, the IGP is not the regulator of spiritual affairs.

  • Prophecies that cause panic, fear still unlawful; abide by the law – Police

    Prophecies that cause panic, fear still unlawful; abide by the law – Police

    The Ghana Police Service has issued a reminder, emphasizing that the law regarding the communication of prophecies is still in effect.

    The law specifically prohibits the public communication of doomsday prophecies, especially those predicting deaths, harm, or any similar events with the potential to cause a breakdown of law and order.

    “As we have come to consider December 27th as Prophecy Communication Compliance Day, the Ghana Police Service is once again urging religious communities to practice their faith within the legal framework,” the Service noted in a press statement

    The Service expressed gratitude to faith-based groups and individuals, for their compliance with the law so far, particularly in communicating prophecies.

    It noted that such actions have protected the rights and freedoms of those who are normally affected by these prophecies, and have also fostered a society free of needless panic, fear and alarm.

    “We urge the general public especially faith-based groups and individuals to continue to be patriotic and abide by the law, to ensure that the prevailing state of law, order and security in our beloved country is maintained.”

    “The Police will like to remind the public that while we have the right to practice our faith and freedom of speech as guaranteed by our constitution and democratic values, we want to reiterate that the enjoyment of these rights are subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest,” the Service added.

  • Find a better livelihood – Dampare tells criminals

    Find a better livelihood – Dampare tells criminals

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has issued a stern warning to those terrorizing traders in markets, emphasizing that the police will pursue them and enforce the law.

    During a police-public engagement with the Secondhand Traders Association at Kantamanto ahead of the Christmas festivities, the IGP addressed the security concerns raised by traders who reported harassment and theft by pickpockets, swindlers, and robbers.

    Accompanied by the Police Management Board, Dr. Dampare assured the traders that the police would take action to apprehend wrongdoers and create a secure environment for them to conduct their business without fear.

    “Police will come after you, you will hear from us and the law will take its course when arrested,” he said.

    He urged traders to prioritize personal security, suggesting the use of electronic means for transactions instead of carrying large sums of money.

    Additionally, the IGP promised to address threats of arson in the market and collaborate with the Fire Service to prevent fires, especially during the Harmattan Season.

    Responding to concerns about traffic obstruction caused by some traders’ activities, Dr. Dampare pledged to check such activities and assured continued police support in maintaining security.

    The traders, represented by Charles Asmah, Vice Chair of the Association, requested three additional police posts to enhance crime prevention and combat in the area.

    Mr Asmah also emphasized the need for heightened security during market days, rush hours, and targeted raids in areas prone to criminal activities.

  • Dampare tours Kantamanto market to address security arrangements

    Dampare tours Kantamanto market to address security arrangements

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, on Friday morning visited traders at Kantamanto in Accra to gather feedback on the security arrangements implemented for Christmas.

    This visit follows an earlier meeting at the Police headquarters where the IGP engaged with the traders.

    Accompanied by some Members of the Police Management Board, Dr. Dampare expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of the security measures at Kantamanto and assured the traders that the police were ready to enhance security further.

    “I came for your feedback on what we are doing right and what you want us to change because we are your servants and we must ensure that you feel safe.

    “So far we have met a lot of groups on their security concerns and most of them, as you have testified, have been addressed.

    “Today we are here as your servants and we want to visit you and commend you first on the hard work you’re doing for this country, we want to wish you Merry Christmas and finally we want to listen to you on all your security concerns,” the IGP said.

    The Chairman of the Kantamanto Used Clothing Sellers Association, Michael Oppong, expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements implemented in the market so far.

    “We are happy with your work and we believe a lot of Ghanaians are happy with you. We wish you all and we know you will continue with what you have started for us,” he said.

  • Investigation into IGP’s leaked tape completed – James Agalga

    Investigation into IGP’s leaked tape completed – James Agalga


    James Agalga, the ranking member of the ad hoc committee looking into the leaked IGP tape, has announced the completion of the committee’s investigation.

    He further disclosed that the committee’s report is currently in a draft stage, awaiting validation by its members.

    Mr Agalga informed the media that although the investigations have concluded, the committee has not been able to convene to unanimously approve and adopt the report, as required by the Standing Orders of the House.

    The ongoing budget-related activities in Parliament have hindered the committee’s meetings.

    “The committee has concluded the investigations, and we have a draft report that is yet to be considered by all the members of the committee because, per the Standing Orders, draft reports are subject to approval by the members of the committee, so that is what is outstanding.”

    “Unfortunately, we are in the budget season and all the members are caught up in their various committees and are working on budget estimates. I had warned that there was a need for us to act expeditiously so that we could have skipped the budget season, but things did not happen that way so we are hoping that as soon as we are done with the budget estimates, we can convene and adapt the report”, he said.

  • Investigations into IGP’s leaked tape concluded – James Agalga

    Investigations into IGP’s leaked tape concluded – James Agalga

    The ranking member of the ad hoc committee investigating the leaked IGP tape, James Agalga, has announced the completion of the committee’s probe.

    He further disclosed that the committee’s report is in a draft stage, awaiting validation by members.

    While addressing the media, Agalga explained that although the investigations have been concluded, the committee has faced challenges in convening a meeting for the unanimous approval and adoption of the report, as mandated by the Standing Orders of the House.

    He attributed this delay to budget-related parliamentary activities that have hindered the committee from assembling.

    “The committee has concluded the investigations, and we have a draft report that is yet to be considered by all the members of the committee because, per the Standing Orders, draft reports are subject to approval by the members of the committee, so that is what is outstanding.”

    “Unfortunately, we are in the budget season and all the members are caught up in their various committees and are working on budget estimates. I had warned that there was a need for us to act expeditiously so that we could have skipped the budget season, but things did not happen that way so we are hoping that as soon as we are done with the budget estimates, we can convene and adapt the report”, he said.

  • Probing into IGP leaked tape concluded, report pending – Agalga

    Probing into IGP leaked tape concluded, report pending – Agalga

    The ranking member on the ad hoc committee investigating the leaked IGP tape saga, James Agalga, has announced that the investigations have been completed, and the committee has a draft report ready.

    However, the finalization and adoption of the report are pending validation by the committee members.

    Agalga explained that ongoing budget-related activities in Parliament have hindered the committee from convening for the final approval as mandated by the Standing Orders of the House.

    Despite these constraints, he emphasized the committee’s commitment to convene once members conclude their work on the budget estimates, ensuring the finalization and adoption of the investigative report.

    “The committee has concluded the investigations, and we have a draft report that is yet to be considered by all the members of the committee because, per the Standing Orders, draft reports are subject to approval by the members of the committee, so that is what is outstanding.”

    “Unfortunately, we are in the budget season and all the members are caught up in their various committees and are working on budget estimates. I had warned that there was a need for us to act expeditiously so that we could have skipped the budget season, but things did not happen that way so we are hoping that as soon as we are done with the budget estimates, we can convene and adapt the report,” he said.

    The leaked tape involving IGP Dampare has garnered significant attention and sparked discussions and debates. Bugri Naabu had previously confirmed to the Committee that the tape was genuine.

    The leaked recording contains a conversation between Bugri Naabu and three senior police officers: retired COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, discussing plans to remove the IGP to aid the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in rigging the 2024 elections.

    The legal representatives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) raised concerns, accusing the committee of exceeding its mandate and treating the IGP unfairly.

    However, Samuel Atta Akyea, the Chair of the committee, refuted the allegations, stating that he had not shown bias against the IGP and emphasized that the committee had operated within its designated scope.

  • IGP assures peaceful 2024 elections

    IGP assures peaceful 2024 elections

    The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has reiterated the commitment of security agencies to ensuring a peaceful and incident-free 2024 elections.

    Dr. Dampare, emphasizing the consistent peaceful conduct of elections since his tenure, assured that the upcoming polls would follow the same trend.

    Speaking at a gathering of the national election security task force at the Police headquarters, he further guaranteed the protection of all individuals involved in the electoral process, assuring the chairperson of the Electoral Commission of their safety.

    “We want to assure my sister (EC Chairperson) that we will continue to work with my colleagues here to ensure that just as elections in the country since I took over have been peaceful, the 2024 polls will be the same.”

    Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, the Chief of Defense Staff, stated that the Ghanaian Armed Forces will be available to support the police and other security agencies providing background protection for the 2024 elections.

    The army will not be directly involved in election security, but they will be prepared to support the Police if needed, according to the CDS.

    “We in the Armed Forces commit to our constitutionally mandated duty to protect this country and prevent any aggression from outside the country and also from within and we do so by air, by sea and by land, and even do at the peril of our lives”.

    On the 2024 elections, the CDS noted “For the election proper we may not be in the upfront of election duties but we will be in the background to support you the Police Service and other security services. The Armed Forces is ready to act accordingly when we are called upon but for the election duties proper I will leave it to the security services to be in the forefront. We will always be in the background to act appropriately when we are called upon”.

    At the stakeholder meeting, Mrs. Jean Mensa, the chairperson of the electoral commission, thanked the security services for their assistance during the election process.

  • 2024 elections will be peaceful – IGP assures

    2024 elections will be peaceful – IGP assures

    Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has affirmed that security agencies are committed to ensuring a peaceful and incident-free 2024 election.

    He emphasized that, under his leadership, elections in the country have consistently been peaceful, and he expects the same for the upcoming polls.

    Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, reiterated the commitment to ensuring a peaceful 2024 election during a meeting of the national election security task force at the Police headquarters.

    He assured the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) that all individuals involved in the electoral process would be protected by the security agencies.

    “We want to assure my sister (EC Chairperson) that we will continue to work with my colleagues here to ensure that just as elections in the country since I took over have been peaceful, the 2024 polls will be the same”.

    The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, stated that the Ghana Armed Forces would offer background support to the Police and other security agencies during the 2024 elections. While clarifying that the army would not have a direct role in election security, he emphasized their readiness to assist the Police if the need arises.

    “We in the Armed Forces commit to our constitutionally mandated duty to protect this country and prevent any aggression from outside the country and also from within and we do so by air, by sea and by land, and even do at the peril of our lives”.

    On the 2024 elections, the CDS noted “For the election proper we may not be in the upfront of election duties but we will be in the background to support you the Police Service and other security services.

    “The Armed Forces is ready to act accordingly when we are called upon, but for the election duties proper I will leave it to the security services to be in the forefront. We will always be in the background to act appropriately when we are called upon”.

    The chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, expressed her gratitude to the security agencies for their support during the elections.

  • Family ‘begs’ IGP to look into land tussle at Adjiringanor

    Family ‘begs’ IGP to look into land tussle at Adjiringanor

    The Paul Sackey Family, residing at Adjiriganor within the La Nkwantanang Municipality, has urgently appealed to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare and President Akufo-Addo for immediate assistance.

    The family finds itself forcibly locked out of two parcels of land by developers employing land guards. One of the lands, featuring two buildings with caretakers in one, has been forcefully taken over by another developer, accompanied by the use of land guards.

    Documents obtained by Starr News indicate that Paul Sackey acquired the land in question in 1996 from the Ashong Mlitse Family of Odaitse Tse We Family of Teshie. The court documents pertaining to the land were endorsed by Seth Laryea Mensah as the head of the family.

    Despite subsequent regularization with the Akwraboye Doku Family of the Atreko We of Teshie, represented by Nii Samuel Mensah Adjei Shia, and the fact that the land is outside the scope of a specific judgment, land guards have been deployed to seize it.

    During a visit by Starr News to the site, workers were actively developing the land under heavy protection from land guards. Mrs. Divine Denseah Sackey, a member of the Paul Sackey family holding power of attorney, expressed the family’s fear since the intrusion of thugs who evicted caretakers, demolished structures, and commenced development on the land.

    “I was there when a caretaker called because a bulldozer had come in to break one of the properties on the land. It was amidst threats. I was even afraid for my life because I faced them here. They threatened to hurt me and smash my car with the bulldozer. I went to the police but they took no interest in the case. I felt confused and dejected because the police ought to have done better. This is a criminal act, we had all our documents to show that indeed these people had overtaken our place illegally.”

    Mrs. Sackey further related to how another family’s land was forcefully taken under the protection of land guards.

    “This is not the first time because exactly about a year ago, we had a property that my father left for my other sisters and I was actually a caretaker there. The property had been walled and gated with people living there. We had an arrangement with them to take care of the place. We had the deed of title to the land. My dad also used to work with the National Investment Bank. Everybody in the arrears knows that it was part of lands given to NIB directors.

    I was there when my daddy called me to inform me this same bulldozer had come and broken down the gate and the wall. And it was the same Akwraboye Doku Family claiming they had a judgment. They surrounded the place with land guards like they were doing here on this land. We were afraid for our lives so we left them and went to the police but once again, the police were not helpful.”

    “We are living in a lot of fear but I believe that I have to stand up and make sure that this thing doesn’t happen again because as I’m speaking now after doing what they did at my sisters’ property that my daddy left them, there is another former director of NIB who lives behind our property, his property has also been occupied using same land guards. This is what they have been doing here with impunity.”

    “My uncle’s place here has also been occupied by land guards. They’ve actually sacked the caretaker and are occupying the 3-bedroom house.” She stated helplessly,” she said.

    She appealed to the IGP and President Akufo-Addo to step in and put a stop to the impunity being displayed by thugs in the area.

    “I’m through this medium pleading with the good office of the IGP to come to Adjiriganor physically and witness for himself what is going on here on my 83-year-old Uncle’s property and Adjiringanor in general. Because these are people who have worked for Mother Ghana. My father passed away more than 10 years ago.

    He worked as an honest citizen at NIB. Everybody knows him and my Uncle is also a retired banker at Ghana International Bank. These people have worked honestly and have purchased these lands as innocent citizens so this shouldn’t be happening to them. We are not the only people they are doing this to. They are doing it to other people but they are afraid to come out. The case is already before the regional commander and we are very confident the right things will be done.”

    “I am also appealing to President Akufo-Addo to take a particular interest in happenings in Adjiringanor concerning lands. Please task somebody to investigate this. Put a stop to this,” she pleaded

    According to Mrs. Sackey, the East Legon Police Command is complicit in the Adjiringanor land matters.

    She insisted the said land does not fall within the judgment secured by the Akwraboye Doku Family.

    According to her, the head of the Akwraboye Doku Family Nii Samuel Mensah Adjei Shia has dissociated himself from what is happening on the land.

    Mrs. Sackey named one Maame also known as Sarah Agyaa Owusu-Ansah, a businesswoman, and Michael Adjei of the Akwraboye Doku Family as those behind the illegal appropriation of the said land.

    Per reports, when Starr News reached out to Sarah, she denied any illegal takeover of the mentioned land. She redirected inquiries about the matter to the Akwraboye Doku Family, claiming they had secured a judgment. However, Sarah insisted that the judgment covered a portion of Paul Sackey’s land.

    Michael Adjei, identifying himself as the secretary to the Akwraboye Doku Family, acknowledged the activities on the land. He described the individuals referred to as land guards as security personnel for the family. Mr. Adjei also maintained that the judgment covered a portion of Paul Sackey’s land.

    Mrs. Divine Dumashie Sackey, however, insisted that the said judgment did not apply to her uncle’s land.

    “This particular property if you look at the site plan and you take the composite plan and superimpose it on it, it doesn’t even fall within the judgment and that is what we have done. It doesn’t even fall within the judgment so they should be stopped. What they are doing is illegal because they are using a judgment to take an innocent man’s property.”

    Property owners in the Adjiringanor have come under constant threats from the activities of land guards with the Greater Accra Police Command making arrests every now and then.

  • Oganisers of #OccupyJulorbiHouse demo to drag Police to court over human right abuses

    Oganisers of #OccupyJulorbiHouse demo to drag Police to court over human right abuses

    Democracy Hub has decided to pursue legal action against the Ghana Police Service in response to alleged incidents of brutality against protesters during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest that took place on September 21, 2023.

    This decision comes after the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, stated that the organizers had not substantiated their claims of assault by the police.

    During a year-end dialogue session with various stakeholders, Dr. Dampare said “after months of completing that demonstration to today, not a shred of evidence has been brought up to indicate that the police have brutalised them.”

    In a statement shared by #FixTheCountry on behalf of Democracy Hub on October 31, the group noted that the IGP received direct accounts of the brutality meted out to the protestors as well as the manner in which citizens devices were confiscated to prevent the filming of abuses.

    “This can be confirmed by several independent persons who were in that meeting. Also, several videos and images in the public domain confirm the brutalities meted out to protestors including journalists and lawyers present on that day,” the statement added.

    According to the group, the deem the IGP’s statement as “reckless” and one that reflects “a worrying institutional trend of disregarding proper procedure and standards.”

    “We are also disappointed by the failure of the IGP to exhibit the critical leadership expected of his office as well as a commitment to standards reflective of the Ghana Police Service’s pivotal role in maintaining law and order,” the group further noted.

    In view of this, the group has resolved to initiate immediate legal action against the Ghana Police Service “in connection with the violation of our constitutional rights to assembly, freedom from torture and inhumane treatment.”

    Background

    The first day of the 3-day protest which ended on September 23, was marked by police arrests, with the protest being labeled an “unlawful assembly and violation of the Public Order Act.”

    Numerous individuals, including journalists, protesters, and bystanders, recounted incidents of police brutality during the arrests.

    A female reporter from Metro TV, Bridget Otoo, shared her experience of being manhandled by multiple police officers when she attempted to film the assault of a man who had been pulled from the entrance of the Accra Regional Police Command onto the premises.

    She reported that some officers tugged at her shirt collar, while one officer attempted to seize her cell phone, with which she had captured the footage, from between her thighs as she tried to protect it from them.

    In a separate account, Barker Vormawor, the protestor’s convenor, stated that he and other demonstrators were confined to a room at the Accra Regional Police Command, where 17 individuals, purportedly intelligence officers, were allowed into the room to physically assault them.

    The second and third days of the protest were relatively peaceful, with no reports of abuse or assault against any protestor by the police.

  • ‘We will protect you and all your belongings’ – IGP promises ‘double overdose of security’ ahead of Christmas festivity

    ‘We will protect you and all your belongings’ – IGP promises ‘double overdose of security’ ahead of Christmas festivity

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has promised members of the general public an upgrade in security as the country prepares for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    During a meeting with the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the Police Headquarters on Wednesday, October 25, the IGP noted that this year’s festivity will be memorable as the crime rate will be brought to its bear minimum.

    “We want to assure you that this Christmas will be awesome. I assure you that the police will give you a double overdose of security,” Dr Dampare said.

    Confident in the efficiency of his officers, Dr Dampare made a clarion call to international and local tourists to find their way to the various tourist sites across the country to be abreast of the Ghanaian culture.

    “So Ghana is ready, to all the tourists I want to assure you that Ghana is ready, the police is ready, come and enjoy our hospitality,” he added, while emphasising that “we will protect you and all your belongings.”

    On his part, the Secretary General of the Trade Unions Congress (TUC), Anthony Yaw Baah, expressed his appreciation for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, and the police service’s leadership. He commended their ongoing efforts to engage with pertinent stakeholders in Ghana.

    He further noted that the police service’s new leadership approach is exemplifying the institution’s motto: “Service with Integrity,” in a meaningful way.

    He said, “The approach that the new police leadership has adopted is giving real meaning to service with integrity motto of the police. With this approach, everyone will see Ghana police service as a service with integrity.”

    “We are happy that you keep engaging all stakeholders. We are informing our members of the relationship you’re building with us,” Baah added.

    Wednesday’s meeting was part of the police administration’s ongoing efforts to engage with key stakeholders in preparation for ensuring security during the holiday season.

    Earlier in the week, the IGP and the Police Management Board (POMAB) had meetings with Muslim leaders on Monday, October 24, and engaged with members of the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union and the Creative Arts industry on Tuesday, respectively.

  • How can you investigate the IGP? – Prof Smart lambasts Atta Akyea-Committee

    How can you investigate the IGP? – Prof Smart lambasts Atta Akyea-Committee

    A Senior Research Fellow of the Kumasi Technical University, Professor Smart Sarpong, has criticised the ahdoc committee set up to investigate a leaked tape that plotted the removal of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, for failing to execute its mandate.

    COP Alex Mensah, now retired and two other officers; Emmanuel Gyebi and George Asare, have been accused of plotting the removal of the IGP over the alleged difficulty the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would face come the 2024 general elections should he remain in power.

    The matter caught national attention, and Speaker Alban Bagbin constituted a committee chaired by Samuel Atta Akyea.

    For over a month, the committee invited the suspects and subsequently invited the IGP in for questioning after COP Alex Mensah accused him of gagging the mouths of his subjects, which he said has led to mismanagement of the Service.

    The inclusion of the IGP and the probe into allegations made against him, which veers off the mandate to probe the ousting of Dr Dampare have been highlighted by Professor Smart.

    In his submissions on Peace FM, Professor Smart noted that the Committee was not prepared to holistically probe the matter, but was just interested in the subject of the conversation.

    According to him, instead of probing the claims that the IGP had to be removed for the NPP to win the 2024 elections, the committee got attracted to other subject matters.

    “I don’t think they cared about a good investigative process. They just started with interest. They said if we go and vote, the IGP will determine who wins – then let’s call the IGP for questioning.

    “No wonder, when it got to a certain point, we had to call the IGP. On a normal day, the IGP who is supposed to be protected because some people were plotting against him, how was he going to be a subject of investigation.

    “I just didn’t get the questions thrown at him. They didn’t make up their minds to make any proper investigation. They got interested in other passerby issues,” he said.

    During the investigations, the chairman of the ad hoc Committee responsible for investigating the leaked tape revealing a plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position, Samuel Atta Akyea, has refuted claims of bias.

    This response comes in the wake of accusations of bias from Mr. Kwame Gyan, the lawyer representing the IGP.

    Mr. Gyan has expressed concerns about how Mr. Atta Akyea has been managing the committee’s proceedings, a sentiment he has held since the start of the investigation.

    During his client’s appearance before the committee, Mr. Gyan raised objections regarding the presence of COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent Asare, who had previously testified against the IGP.

    He requested that they be excused from the proceedings. However, Mr. Atta Akyea disagreed with the objection, despite a suggestion from Mr. James Agalga, the Ranking Member on the committee.

    Nevertheless, Atta Akyea dismissed the allegations of bias.

    Speaking to the media on October 10, at the end of an in-camera hearing by the committee, the Akim Abuakwa South Member of Parliament said “It is very disappointing for anybody to say I am biased. On the contrary, the generality of Ghanaians believe that I have steered the affairs of the committee well.

    “If anybody is having jitters, that I am going to manufacture evidence against the IGP, it does not accord with common sense.

    “Because what we are doing here is being recorded, so, Atta Akyea with whatever dexterity will not be able to improve upon the evidence,” he stressed adding that he was leading a fact-finding committee whose proceedings were being recorded and transcribed.”

    Meanwhile, the ad hoc Committee responsible for investigating the leaked tape revealing a plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position has suspended its sittings indefinitely.

  • IGP says protesters from #OccupyJulorbiHouse did not provide proof of police brutality

    IGP says protesters from #OccupyJulorbiHouse did not provide proof of police brutality

    Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service(IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has asserted that the organisers of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest have not provided any evidence of police brutality, despite making extensive allegations.

    During a year-end dialogue session with various stakeholders, Dr. Dampare stated that the organisers have failed to substantiate their claims of police assault and brutality, even though such allegations were raised on the first day of the three-day protest.

    “Recently, there was some demonstration that they said they wanted to demonstrate for three days thereabout. We went through a process, and based on what they wanted to do, we served them.

    “They said they still want to demonstrate, then the police went there, and then they said no, what they doing was unlawful gathering, so they picked about 48 people up just to discourage people from even showing up the more so that at the end of the day, we wait for the court to make a determination as to how the demonstration should go.

    “As soon as they were arrested, they went round making all sorts of allegations and all sorts of noise and said police have brutalised us; they have done this; they have done that. I took it upon myself the following day to meet their leaders, some of them and told them that if we had respected the process and allowed the court to tell us how we should go about it, we wouldn’t get to where we have gotten to,” he said.

    He continued, “But because you have succeeded with all the propaganda… and also the lies about the fact that the police have brutalised you, we will let you continue the demonstration, and we will let you finish with all the days that you want to do the demonstration, but we will challenge you to bring any evidence that speaks to the fact that you were brutalised.

    “As I speak, after months of completing that demonstration to today, not a shred of evidence has been brought up to indicate that the police have brutalised them.”


    Between September 21 and 23, 2023, a group of Ghanaians staged street protests to voice their concerns about economic challenges and governance issues.

    The protest, known as #OccupyJulorbiHouse on its first day, was overshadowed by the arrest of more than 40 demonstrators, and the organizers accused the police of assault.

    Nevertheless, the police have steadfastly denied any wrongdoing in response to these allegations.

  • “One man, One wife is killing a lot of people!” – Man holds solo protest in Accra

    “One man, One wife is killing a lot of people!” – Man holds solo protest in Accra

    Accra witnessed a unique solo protest on October 24, 2024, as Ernest Birmeh, also known as Dr. Think Twice, took to the streets to voice his concerns about societal pressures. Dressed in a white long-sleeved polo neck bearing the inscription “IGP” (Inspector General of Pressure), and sporting dark shades and a cap, Birmeh made a notable stop at the premises of Accra-based Despite Media during his march.

    With a Ghanaian flag in one hand and a megaphone in the other, Birmeh led his one-man demonstration, flanked by a police van that blared its siren. In the vehicle were two officers, including a senior officer in the front seat, while two more officers followed on foot, one in a safety vest and the other carrying an AK47 rifle.

    Birmeh’s protest was directed at the numerous societal pressures that Ghanaians face in various aspects of their lives. He vehemently challenged prevailing beliefs about marriage and childbirth, declaring,” Today, I am doing a one-man demonstration against unnecessary pressure. Aren’t you going to get married? Why won’t you give birth? Are you sticking to only one child? Is one not too little? I am demonstrating against these things. If you know that giving birth will make life difficult for you, stay away. If you know that marriage will be hard for you, stay away. Anything that will make you uncomfortable, stay away. Ghanaians, listen to me. If marriage will be a problem for you, stay away.”

    He urged Ghanaians to avoid actions that would make their lives difficult, including entering into marriage or having children if they were not fully prepared for the responsibilities and challenges that come with them.

    “These undue pressures, I am protesting against that. If you will give birth or marry and get into a hard situation, stay away. As with anything that will put you in a tight corner, stay away. That is my one-man demo that has brought me to Peace FM today,” he stressed.

    In his impassioned speech, Birmeh expressed his belief that the expectation of “one man, one wife” is causing significant problems for many people. He argued that this societal norm is leading to an increase in diseases, divorces, and overall discomfort in relationships.

    “That one man one wife thing is killing a lot of women. It is giving them diseases and divorces. Know that one man cannot stay with one woman,” he advised.

    Birmeh also called on individuals to refrain from making promises of marriage after offering financial support or assistance to their partners, as this often leads to complications and pressure within relationships.

    “Do not pay a woman’s school fees and promise to marry her after she completes. Do not take a woman to learn a trade and say you will marry her when she is done. All these things create problems.”

    “Women putting pressure on their fellow women. That should reduce. Women putting pressure on men. Asking them to buy this or that for them. All these create problems. There is pressure everywhere.Let everything reduce and let us find a way to live in peace,” he noted.

  • IGP’s goodwill on social media not true reflection of matters on the ground – COP Alex Mensah (rtd)

    IGP’s goodwill on social media not true reflection of matters on the ground – COP Alex Mensah (rtd)

    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.

  • Alleged plot to oust IGP: Parliamentary Committee suspends sitting indefinitely

    Alleged plot to oust IGP: Parliamentary Committee suspends sitting indefinitely

    The ad hoc Committee responsible for investigating the leaked tape revealing a plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position has suspended its sittings indefinitely.

    Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, confirmed the information during an interview on JoyNews on Wednesday.

    The in-camera hearing was slated to end on October 14, but the sitting has been suspended indefinitely.

    On whether the in-camera hearing will be protracted again, Mr Atta Akyea said, “It is not going to be protracted because right now we need to look at the evidence and most probably, start writing our report.”

    “Unless there are residual matters, if there are residual matters that we later discover after reading the evidence in cold print,” he added.

    According to Mr Atta Akyea, the members of the committee will listen to the audio in the committee’s possession on Thursday.

    “We are going to listen to audio tomorrow. All the members of the Committee have been summoned here to listen to the audio attentively. Now we will begin to internalize all that was said ,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Chief Daniel Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that the private hearing conducted by the committee investigating the leaked tape concerning the plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has affirmed his stance that the audio recording was not manipulated.

    He asserts that both Superintendent Eric Gyebi and Superintendent George Asare have acknowledged the authenticity of their voices and the content of the conversation during the presentation of a new tape at the private hearing.

    Both Police officers, contrary to their earlier position during the public hearing, according to Bugri Naabu, conceded to the full details of their engagement with the politician as captured on the tape.

    Speaking to the media after Tuesday’s hearing, Bugri Naabu said “You were all there when they told the committee in public that I’m a liar but now before the committee they have all, including Gyebi, admitted their voices on the tape.

    “I want to tell you all that as a chief I don’t tell lies I was in my office and then these people came to say the things they said. I felt it was important for the state security and for the NPP government to know what they were doing in there so I taped them and went to give the tape to the president,” he said.

    He stressed “Now they have all admitted that it is their voice so I want to clear my name that I am not a liar. And if they come out to challenge anything now, we will play what happened in there for all Ghanaians to hear.”

  • Committee probing leaked tape on IGP working beyond its remit – Col Aboagye

    Committee probing leaked tape on IGP working beyond its remit – Col Aboagye

    Retired Security Analyst Col. Festus Aboagye is of the assertion that the parliamentary committee appointed by the Speaker of Parliament to probe the leaked tape concerning a supposed plan to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare appears to have expanded its focus beyond the initial terms of reference.

    He highlighted this observation to while arguing that there may be a significant political agenda to remove the IGP from his position involving certain members of the Police service and civilians.

    Speaking on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Tuesday October 10, Col Aboagye said “I have been of the view that there is some empirical evidence that there is a bigger political agenda to remove the IGP from office.

    “That is, more or less, evidenced in the approach that the committee has adopted which appears to widen the scope beyond its original terms of reference of first of all, authenticating the leaked audio/video material and investigating the circumstances surrounding the plot to remove the IGP from office by some persons still in uniform of the police service and one or two others who are civilians.”

    He added, “I don’t hold the view that the committee has the mandate to investigate matters surrounding how the IGP is appointed, that must belong to another body or another mechanism including, for instance, the constitutional review commission which I believe was conducted in about 2011.”

    “This committee I think should not have the remit of investigating any aspect of the IGP’s appointment relating to the powers of the authority that appointed him.”

    On Tuesday, October 10, Mr. Kwame Gyan, the lawyer representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP), raised allegations of bias against the committee chair, Samuel Atta Akyea.

    Mr. Gyan’s concerns regarding Mr. Atta Akyea’s handling of committee affairs have been evident since the commencement of the proceedings.

    During his client’s appearance before the committee, Mr. Gyan voiced objections to the presence of COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent Asare, and he requested their removal. However, Mr. Atta Akyea contested the protest, despite a suggestion by the committee’s Ranking Member, Mr. James Agalga.

    In response, Mr. Atta Akyea refuted the bias allegations.

    Speaking to the media on October 10, at the end of an in-camera hearing by the committee, the Akim Abuakwa South Member of Parliament said “It is very disappointing for anybody to say I am biased. On the contrary, the generality of Ghanaians believe that I have steered the affairs of the committee well.

    “If anybody is having jitters, that I am going to manufacture evidence against the IGP, it does not accord with common sense.

    “Because what we are doing here is being recorded, so, Atta Akyea with whatever dexterity will not be able to improve upon the evidence,” he stressed adding that he was leading a fact-finding committee, whose proceedings were being recorded and transcribed.”

    The leaked recording featured a conversation involving COP Alex Mensah (retired), along with several senior police officers and the former Northern Region Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Daniel Bugri Naabu. In the discussion, there appeared to be a plot to potentially remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) before the 2024 elections.

    The content of the tape suggested that the IGP might be acting in line with the wishes of former President John Dramani Mahama, who purportedly offered to retain him in his position.

    Chief Bugri Naabu affirmed the tape’s content, while COP Alex Mensah contested it, claiming that certain sections had been altered. Nevertheless, he maintained that he harbored no grievances with the current IGP.

  • Accepting to probe IGP leaked tape was a mistake – Atta-Akyea

    Accepting to probe IGP leaked tape was a mistake – Atta-Akyea

    Chairman of a 7-member ad hoc committee, Mr. Samuel Atta-Akyea, tasked with investigating a leaked tape containing discussions of a plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, has expressed his regret in taking on the role of chairing the committee.

    This follows serious allegations made by the lawyer of IGP George Akuffo-Dampare, Mr. Kwame Gyan, accusing Atta-Akyea of making prejudicial comments that could compromise the integrity of the investigation.

    Mr Gyan further alleged that Atta-Akyea was acting as if he were the sole commissioner overseeing the investigation, revealing matters that were supposed to be kept confidential during in-camera hearings and fabricating baseless stories during media interviews.

    He also claimed that Atta-Akyea had an agenda against the IGP.

    In response to these allegations, Atta-Akyea expressed his frustration during an interview with Kasapa 102.5FM/Agoo TV on Wednesday.

    “I wish I did not chair this committee; I’m being honest. Because I don’t understand the baseless accusations against me by the lawyer for the IGP when people are rather commending me for steering the affairs of the committee well. What is the problem of the IGP’s lawyer? Your client is not at the centre of the probe; if the lawyer has not abreast himself of why the committee was set up, he should do so. Where is the IGP in this matter? Why is the lawyer saying that I’m trying to make the IGP the accused person? Clearly, I nor the committee have not done that.

    “By my training, I can never manufacture lies against the IGP. It will not bring me any profit. What is Atta Akyea’s interest in the disgrace of the IGP?” the MP for Abuakwa South quizzed.

    He stated that he wished he had not taken on the role of chairing the committee, as he found the accusations baseless and unwarranted.

    “He will be granting media interviews to the extent that after one sitting, he went out there and said the extended tape, which was submitted by Bugri Naabu and had not been played at the committee, has been doctored. Very prejudicial comments,” he said.

    Atta-Akyea emphasized that he had no personal issues with the IGP and questioned the motives behind the allegations against him.

    He defended his actions, asserting that he was committed to conducting a fair and impartial investigation and that he had not sought to make the IGP an accused person in the process.

    Atta-Akyea called for a proper understanding of the committee’s objectives and the role of the IGP in the matter. He also stressed his commitment to honesty and integrity in handling the investigation.

  • IGP leaked tape: The speaker must remove Atta-Akyea as committee chair – Dr Bonaa

    IGP leaked tape: The speaker must remove Atta-Akyea as committee chair – Dr Bonaa

    Dr. Adam Bonaa, an analyst specialising in security and safety matters, has called for the withdrawal of Samuel Atta-Akyea, who chairs a 7-member ad hoc committee responsible for probing the recently disclosed contentious audio.

    During a media engagement , Dr. Bonaa made this request in response to allegations put forth by George Akuffo-Dampare, the legal counsel representing Ghana’s Inspector General of Police (IGP). Dr. Bonaa pointed out that Mr. Atta-Akyea has veered away from the committee’s designated scope of work.

    “Yes, it would have been proper for the Speaker to ask him to recuse himself because, like I said, if you go and play the video, you can see the chairman almost turning the thing into a per trawling exercise on the sea and when you come on the land, it’s like galamsey, using crude methods to do what you have not been asked to do when you’ve been given a term of reference.

    “So it will be proper if the speaker asks him to excuse himself but I believe the speaker knows what he is doing,” he stated.


    In a recent interview, Lawyer Kwame Gyan voiced apprehensions about Mr. Atta-Akyea’s behaviour, claiming that the committee’s chairman was making statements that could potentially undermine the impartiality of the investigation.

    Mr. Atta-Akyea, who concurrently holds the position of Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, has faced considerable scrutiny for his management of the case.

    Mr. Gyan accused Mr. Atta-Akyea of conducting himself as if he were the sole commissioner in charge of the inquiry, and he expressed his team’s unwillingness to proceed under such circumstances.

    “He has his own agenda,” Mr. Gyan asserted, hinting that Mr. Atta-Akyea has revealed his biassed intentions for all to see.

    Reacting to the allegations against the committee chairman, Dr Bonaa said the observation by Dr Dampare’s lawyer can be confirmed from a careful analysis of the proceedings and the conduct of the chairman.

    “For those who watched the on-camera sittings, when one of the senior police officers said he was a member of the NPP and he was asked whether he was a card-bearing member of a political party, just when he was about to answer, the chairman actually restrained him and told him not to answer. The video is there.

    “So I believe that the Speaker of Parliament should actually collect all these videos to do an assessment of the performance of his chairman. He stopped him from answering and thought that was being biassed.

    “You are there to collect facts so if a question is put to a witness and the witness decides to answer, you don’t tell him not to answer because you don’t act as a counsel for the witness but by and large, that was what he was doing,” Dr Bonaa noted.

    In a notable incident, a recorded conversation featured three currently serving police officers and a former regional chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), outlining a plan to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    This recording, which has received extensive media coverage, captured the senior officers seeking the political figure’s support in orchestrating the removal of the IGP before the 2024 general election.

    These officers, who identified themselves as staunch NPP members, voiced their apprehensions regarding the potential negative impact of Dr. Dampare’s tenure as IGP on the party’s prospects of retaining power.

  • Plot to oust IGP probe: Atta-Akyea is bias – IGP’s lawyer cries foul

    Plot to oust IGP probe: Atta-Akyea is bias – IGP’s lawyer cries foul

    Legal representative of George Akuffo-Dampare, Mr. Kwame Gyan, Ghana’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), has raised serious allegations against Mr. Samuel Atta-Akyea, the chairperson of a 7-member ad hoc committee responsible for investigating a recently leaked controversial audio.

    This audio purportedly contains discussions aimed at undermining the IGP’s position.

    In an interview with Joy News, lawyer Kwame Gyan expressed concerns regarding Mr. Atta-Akyea’s behaviour, claiming that the committee chairman was making statements that could prejudice the investigation’s integrity.

    Mr. Atta-Akyea, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, has faced significant scrutiny for his handling of the case. Mr. Gyan accused Mr. Atta-Akyea of acting as if he were the sole commissioner overseeing the investigation, a situation that Mr. Gyan’s team is hesitant to accept moving forward.

    “He has his own agenda,” Mr. Gyan asserted, hinting that Mr. Atta-Akyea has revealed his biassed intentions for all to see.

    Lawyer Gyan accused Mr. Atta-Akyea of granting media interviews after committee meetings with detrimental comments. He accused Mr Atta Akyea of disclosing matters that he himself reserved for in-camera hearing and fabricating stories without basis.

    Lawyer Gyan continued, “He will be granting media interviews to the extent that after one sitting, he went out there and said the extended tape, which was submitted by Bugri Naabu, and had not been played at the committee, has been doctored. Very prejudicial comments”.

    The legal counsel for the IGP expressed his and his client’s respect for Parliament along with the individuals serving on the committee, stating the IGP has demonstrated his humility by appearing before the committee when he did not need to.

    He stated his intention to hold the committee chairman accountable for adhering to the committee’s designated scope, as established by the Speaker of Parliament.

    This is to ensure that the committee fulfils its intended purpose and nothing beyond that.

    It’s worth recalling that a leaked tape featured three serving police officers and a former regional chairman of the NPP plotting the removal of the IGP.

    Despite the IGP being the victim in this situation, the committee chairperson has seemingly transformed the committee into an inquiry that focuses on the IGP, essentially turning him from the victim to the accused.

    This has resulted in an extensive and open-ended interrogation on behalf of those opposing him.

    Numerous observers and civil society organizations have expressed concerns, viewing this as a deliberate effort to damage the IGP’s reputation and ultimately remove him from office.

  • Leaked tape on IGP: Lawyers for Supt. Asare call for witnesses protection for their client

    The legal representative for one of the senior police officers involved in the leaked tape conspiracy aimed at orchestrating the removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, is calling for the committee to provide witness protection to new witnesses willing to testify against the IGP.

    Two weeks ago, the legal team wrote to the Parliamentary committee overseeing the investigation, requesting that it summons two potential witnesses, including a senior police officer, to provide vital testimony to support their inquiry.

    The letter has since been made public, a development that concerns Alfred Paapa Darkwa, the lawyer representing Supt. George Asare.

    “…We wrote a letter to the committee and indicated certain names that will come and testify. Unfortunately, the content of the letter got leaked. These are individuals that are supposed to be anonymous which is why they were due to testify in-camera. We do not know how the letter got leaked, we have our own suspicions,” he said.

    He also mentioned that they have formally requested the parliamentary committee to launch an investigation to determine the source of the leaked letter.

    He also explained that these potential “witnesses are apprehensive and in fact one of them has even indicated that he is not willing to testify anymore. So, these are issues we think that whoever leaked this thing has done a very great disservice to the nation.”

    According to him, the witnesses should rather be encouraged, adding that “What this thing has done has the potential of undermining the work of the committee, and rather exposing them because we cannot do a half-baked job.”

    Meanwhile, the in-camera hearing expected to take place on October 2 has been postponed.

  • Bridget Otoo labels IGP as a “liar”, “good actor”

    Ghanaian journalist, Bridget Otoo has criticized the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, labeling him as “an actor” and “a liar.”

    Her remarks stem from a police statement issued over the weekend, which claimed that there was no evidence of assaults during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests.

    Otoo, who was involved in an altercation at the Accra Regional Headquarters during the protests, vehemently disagreed with the IGP’s assertion that the illegal arrests of protesters on September 21, 2023, happened without his knowledge.

    “It’s a lie, it is a palpable lie. The IGP appeared before the Committee (leaked tape probe) and said he wanted the Ghana Police PR to match international standard, meaning if communication is going to come out of the service, it will be under his supervision, sanctioned at the head office.

    “So, assuming that what happened, he wasn’t aware, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt, he is such a good actor and a liar. I have fallen for it but not anymore.

    “Assuming that he did not know about it, what prevented him from putting it in his statement,” she quizzed.

    Bridget Otoo pointed out that during a previous committee hearing on a leaked tape probe, the IGP had expressed a desire for the Ghana Police Public Relations to meet international standards.

    This, in her view, meant that all official communication from the police should be supervised and sanctioned by the head office.

    She further questioned why, if the IGP was unaware of the events, he did not include this information in his official statement.

    Otoo listed instances of assault on a BBC reporter, an assault on a Metro TV journalist, and her own encounter as widely known cases of police brutality.

    Yet, the police statement claimed there were no such assaults.

    Bridget Otoo made these remarks during a post-protest analysis segment on Joy News on September 24.

    During the three-day protests, on September 23, demonstrators attempted to breach a police barricade late into the night and march toward the presidency, despite the illegal arrests and police heavy-handedness that occurred on Day 1.

    On that day, 49 protesters were arrested and held for hours on charges of unlawful assembly before being released on bail.

    Days 2 and 3 saw police blocking the main road leading to the presidency, Jubilee House, even before the protesters commenced their march.

    While Day 2 involved the closure of one side of the 37-Accra Road, the final day saw both sides blocked, causing significant traffic disruptions for most of the day.

  • Plot to oust IGP: COP Mensah’s ambitions are personal not aligning with NPP’s agenda – Ahiagbah

    Plot to oust IGP: COP Mensah’s ambitions are personal not aligning with NPP’s agenda – Ahiagbah

    The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party, Richard Ahiagbah, has asserted that the embattled retired Commissioner of Police, George Alex Mensah, is pursuing his personal interests rather than those of the police service in the alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    In an interview with the media on Saturday, Ahiagbah stated, “What is happening is clearly an individual’s ambition to advance his interest. It has nothing to do with the NPP or government.”

    He suggested that the situation revolves around a particular Commissioner of Police (COP) aspiring to become the IGP and using his connection with Bugri Naabu, who has a close relationship with the President, to further his ambitions.

    Ahiagbah also encouraged the committee to remain focused on its specific terms of reference and not delve into matters unrelated to the Police.

    Adding to the discussion, Professor Ransford Gyampo criticized the committee for deviating from the evidence and testimonies provided by witnesses during the investigation into the leaked tape.

    He expressed concerns about the committee’s allocation of time and attention to issues that should not be their primary focus.

    He also emphasized the significance of the President’s appointment of the IGP.

  • IGP’s “close to tears” moment is a PR gimmick – Paul Adom-Otchere

    IGP’s “close to tears” moment is a PR gimmick – Paul Adom-Otchere

    Host of Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom-Otchere was not moved by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare’s emotional statement when he appeared before the Parliamentary Committee tasked with probing a leaked tape on plans of his ousting.

    As he delved into his life journey and career within the Ghana Police Service on September 12, 2023, which included efforts to collaborate with all, including the three implicated officers from the leaked audio, the IGP’s emotions started to surface.

    He became visibly emotional when addressing the allegations made by two of the officers, particularly COP George Alex Mensah and Supt George Asare, characterizing them as unjust.

    The IGP’s eyes welled up with tears, and his voice trembled as he spoke. Cameras focused on his face at that moment captured the reddening of his eyes and a noticeable quiver in his voice.

    He exclaimed: “I am an innocent person, focusing on my job, working with my team members, all commands across the country to keep the country safe and make it to be at peace with itself. I’ve been asked to answer these allegations which are wide, baseless,” he said.

    “I’m free in my spirit that this is just unfair. It is just unfair,” he added as he nearly wept.

    But this act, according to Mr Adom-Otchere, is nothing but a Public Relation stunt by the IGP to win over Ghanaians with his sentiments.

    “I started smiling and said Dampare again. He went on this excessive PR. In doing the PR, he opened up a very humble demeanor. An extremely humble demeanor and he was going on.

    “Everything he was saying was to court public sympathy. It was so much PR that he was even about to cry. The IGP sat in front of a Parliament Committee, and giving his opening remarks, was pushing himself to cry,” he said.

    Mr Paul Ado-Otchere also condemned the IGP for revealing his multi-ethnicity. During his testimony, Dr Dampare noted that he is a multi-ethnic Ghanaian multiethnic Ghanaian from Begroo, Akropong, and Nkonya Worupong in the Oti Region.

    “I’m a Multiethnic Ghanaian that’s why I’m passionate about Ghana,” he said.

    In response, Paul Adom-Otchere noted that the IGP violated Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution in his bid to make known his patriotism.

    Which election is Dr Dampare running for. He was going on and on.. He comes from Nkonya, Akorpong, from the Eastern Region and then he run into difficulty of Article 17.

    That is what happens when the PR is excessive. The reason he was extolling his patriotism are things that run counter to the spirit of Article 17 of the 1992 constitution.

    Article 17 of the constitution deals with Equality and Freedom from Discrimination. Section 1, 2 and 3 are as follows:

    (1) All persons shall be equal before the law.
    (2) A person shall not be discriminated against on grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion,
    creed or social or economic status.
    (3) For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons
    attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by raw, place of origin, political opinions,
    colour, gender, occupation, religion or creed, whereby persons of one description are subjected to
    disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another description are not made subject or are
    granted privileges or advantages which are not granted to persons of another description.

    On the matter, the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has expressed concerns about the IGP Dampare’s display of ethnic, regional, and religious affiliation during his appearance before the committee on the ongoing investigation.

    “I was also struck by something. The expression of ethnic, regional, and religious solidarity was sickening for me. We are talking about Ghana.

    “In 2023, there is such a public display of ethnic, regional, and religious solidarity in a crucial matter such as the one that the committee is investigating,” he said.

  • Plot to oust IGP: Parliamentary Committee is shifting focus – Kwesi Pratt

    Plot to oust IGP: Parliamentary Committee is shifting focus – Kwesi Pratt

    Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has voiced his apprehensions regarding what he perceives as a change in the focus of the ongoing parliamentary committee inquiry into the leaked tape controversy.

    He expressed deep concern, suggesting that this shift in focus appears to involve a plot aimed at undermining the 1992 constitution of the country.

    Kwesi Pratt Jnr contended that the ongoing investigation should not be concerned with the internal matters of the police service. He pointed out that the current investigation seems to be deviating from addressing the central issues at hand.

    “You have a businessman, a politician of sought and policemen going into conclave and actually discuss how to subvert the 1992 constitution in graphic details, a committee is set up to investigate the matter and so far, all we are hearing are about promotions in the police service, other administrative things, the legibility of the IGP, that’s all. It makes me sick.

    “What should the focus of this thing be, it should have nothing to do with the eligibility of the IGP. Indeed, it should have nothing to do with police promotions and so on. Why, if policemen have not been promoted does that justify that meeting which was held? it doesn’t. If the IGP is not qualified to be IGP, does that justify the meeting? it doesn’t. So, I am beginning to see a certain shift of focus which is is very deeply worrying for me.

    In his view, if the committee continues in this direction, the proceedings will stray from the core issue, which is the alleged conspiracy to undermine the constitution and seek the removal of the Inspector General of Police from office.

    “Because it suggests to me that if we don’t take care, at the end of this so-called probe, we are going to get a raft of observations and recommendations which will bury the central issue of the subversion of the 1992 constitution, that is my worry,” he added.

    Parliament has established a 7-member committee tasked with investigating the leaked tape featuring certain police officers allegedly conspiring to remove the Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, from his position.

    As of September 12, 2023, all individuals identified on the tape, including the IGP, have appeared before the committee.

    On September 13, 2023, the committee held a closed-door session to cross-examine the witnesses involved in the case.

    Following the in-camera session, the committee’s chairman, Samuel Atta Akyea, announced that the hearing will be adjourned until October 2, 2023, when it will resume as a public hearing.

  • Leaked IGP tape: The truth will come out – COP Alex Mensah

    Leaked IGP tape: The truth will come out – COP Alex Mensah

    One of the witnesses in the leaked tape over the ousting of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) being probed by a Committee set up by Parliament has reiterated his innocence.

    COP Alex Mensah, who was present in an in-camera hearing today over the leaked tape, engaged the press after providing his evidence to the Committee chaired by Mr Samuel Atta Akyea.

    COP Alex Mensah, who in earlier testimonies informed the general public that he never made comments that suggested that he sought to remove the IGP from office, said he will be validated at the end of the investigations.

    When asked what his message to Ghanaians was, the police officer said “The truth will come out”.

    He made this statement after initially refusing to engage the press on the development of the case.

    Although he refused to reveal striking details, he made mention that he is content with how the case has been handled. In his opinion, the committee has ensured the hearing has been fair.

    “I am very very happy (with the process). Very fair hearing. Very fair. The process, everything is going on well.”

    He informed the public to expect “strong evidence,” which would be made public by the committee.

    “Everything is ready. I am not ready to comment on anything. I will only tell you everything is ready,” he added.

    Earlier today, Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, and former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bugri Naabu  appeared before Parliament’s adhoc committee.

    The two did not provide any details to the media.

    Meanwhile, the seven-member committee appointed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to investigate the leaked audio involving the Anti-IGP has temporarily suspended its proceedings until Monday, October 2, 2023.

    The committee’s chairman, Atta Akyea, made this announcement during a media briefing held after the session on Wednesday, September 13.

  • Mahama doesn’t visit me and neither do I – IGP tells Parliamentary Committee

    Mahama doesn’t visit me and neither do I – IGP tells Parliamentary Committee

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akufo Dampare, has strongly refuted accusations suggesting that he meets with former President John Dramani Mahama.

    In his response during the parliamentary committee’s investigation into the leaked audio, Dr. Dampare emphasized the fundamental duty of a police officer to provide services to the citizens. He made it clear that former President Mahama is just one of the Ghanaian citizens to whom he would readily offer his services if required.

    One of the officers implicated in the leaked tape had previously claimed that clandestine meetings were taking place between Mr. Mahama and the Inspector General of Police.

    However, when questioned before a parliamentary committee, Dr. Dampare categorically stated, “I don’t visit former President John Dramani Mahama, and he doesn’t visit me. I’m a professional police officer, we are servants of the people, including the former president. Whoever is involved, as long as there is a police service to be provided, I have a constitutional duty and responsibility to get it done”.

    Moreover, Dr. Dampare vehemently denied any involvement in clandestine dealings with the former president, categorically dismissing such allegations as baseless falsehoods.

    He asserted his commitment to carrying out his duties without bias or prejudice, stating, “I’m a policeman who is not into politics. I’m not into politics, I’m a professional police officer, and I don’t do such things.”

    When questioned about the appropriateness of an IGP interacting with the former president, Dr. Dampare clarified, “The position of Inspector General of Police, and by extension, every police officer is to serve the good people of this country, of which the former president is one of those. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”

  • Plot to oust IGP: I am happy, the process has been fair – COP Alex Mensah

    Plot to oust IGP: I am happy, the process has been fair – COP Alex Mensah

    COP Alex Mensah, one of the witnesses in the leaked tape over the ousting of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) being probed by a Committee set up by Parliament, says he is content with how the case is being heard.

    He made this known to the media following an in-camera hearing today over the leaked tape, which saw the presence of Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, and former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bugri Naabu.

    Although he refused to reveal striking details, COP Mensah noted that the committee chaired by Samuel Atta Akea has ensured the hearing has been fair.

    “I am very very happy (with the process). Very fair hearing. Very fair. The process, everything is going on well.”

    He informed the public to expect “strong evidence,” which would be made public by the committee.

    “Everything is ready. I am not ready to comment on anything. I will only tell you everything is ready,” he added.

    He was optimistic that “The truth will come out”.

    In earlier testimonies, COP Alex Mensah refuted making comments that suggested that he sought to remove the IGP from office.

    The leaked tape in question, which suggests that the IGP’s presence could prevent the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) from breaking the 8, according to Mr Atta Akyea may be doctored.

    He made this statement after the committee got hold of a new audio tape presented by Bugri Naabu.

    In the meantime, the seven-member committee appointed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to investigate the leaked audio involving the Anti-IGP has temporarily suspended its proceedings until Monday, October 2, 2023.

  • Atta Akyea believes leaked tape on IGP’s ousting is ‘doctored’

    Atta Akyea believes leaked tape on IGP’s ousting is ‘doctored’

    Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee responsible for investigating the leaked audio involving Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare’s removal, Samuel Atta Akyea, has raised doubts about the authenticity of the viral tape.

    Speaking to the media in Accra on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Atta Akyea suggested that the tape circulating on social media appears to have been altered.

    He pointed out that the version of the tape presented to the committee by the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, is longer and differs from the shorter version that has been widely circulated.

    “It seems to be the case, because the second tape is a long conversation,” Atta Akyea said.

    The viral leaked tape involving IGP Dampare has sparked significant discussion and debate. Earlier, Bugri Naabu had confirmed the tape’s authenticity when he appeared before the committee.

    This leaked tape features a conversation between Bugri Naabu and three senior Police Officers – COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi. In the tape, they discuss a plan to remove the IGP to allegedly assist the NPP in manipulating the 2024 elections.

    During his appearance before the committee on Tuesday, Dampare vehemently denied the allegations made against him by these Police Officers. He emphasized that these baseless accusations had caused immense pain to his family.

    Additionally, he refuted any involvement in a conspiracy to secretly record conversations involving the three implicated police officers.

    The IGP further rejected any insinuations that he maintained regular contact with the opposition party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

    He disclosed that the accusations made by the Police officers had inflicted considerable distress on his family.

    On Wednesday, the National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah, and the legal representative for the Inspector General of Police, Kwame Gyan, participated in a private session with Parliament’s ad-hoc committee investigating the leaked tape.

    The confidential hearing also included the three senior police officers implicated in the covert recording, along with their legal counsel.

  • It was needless to interrogate IGP Dampare – Sulemana Braimah

    It was needless to interrogate IGP Dampare – Sulemana Braimah

    The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has expressed his view that the interrogation of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, regarding the tape discussing his potential removal from office, was unjustified and avoidable.

    Sulemana Braimah believes that this questioning has established an undesirable precedent, as it occurred during the parliamentary committee’s investigation into the matter.

    During an appearance on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, September 13, he emphasized that such precedents should not be encouraged or tolerated.

    “Are we saying that if tomorrow we hear a judge on tape saying that this CJ is the worst we have. With this Chief Justice, if there should be an election petition, there is no way this party or that party will win. This CJ belongs to this party or this party, this CJ has been calling Mahama or Mahama Ayariga or Hassan Ayariga…are we saying we will do a parliamentary probe and interrogate the CJ or if we hear the a general on tape saying that the current CDS is the worst CDS, he is a supporter of the opposition or PNC or CPP and he speaks to the CPP leader everyday. With this CDS, there is no way the NPP can break the eight. Are we saying that we are going to set up a parliamentary inquiry and interrogate the CDS?”

    “That is really unthinkable and why would we want to go on this path? I think this exercise is really needless and we must say it as it is,” he said. 

    On Tuesday, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare appeared before a parliamentary committee investigating a viral tape containing discussions about his potential removal from office.

    During his testimony, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) refuted several allegations made against him by COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George L. Asare.

    Dr. Akuffo Dampare also revealed that he was not involved in the decision to interdict the three officers; instead, this decision was made by the Police Council, and he recused himself from it.

    He further stated that he has refrained from participating in any decisions related to the matter since it first surfaced.

    However, Mr. Braimah expressed the view that the questioning of Dr. Akuffo Dampare was unnecessary.

    <blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>In fact, I think IGP Dampare’s administration is actually the best so far. <a href=”https://t.co/RCmwisBSvh”>pic.twitter.com/RCmwisBSvh</a></p>&mdash; Dr. George (@GeorgeAnagli) <a href=”https://twitter.com/GeorgeAnagli/status/1701611087748317274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

  • Handshakes and hugs: How IGP Dampare greeted his accusers in leaked tape probe

    Handshakes and hugs: How IGP Dampare greeted his accusers in leaked tape probe

    Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, made an appearance on Tuesday before a parliamentary probe committee tasked with investigating a widely circulated audio recording containing discussions of a plot to remove him from his position.

    During his testimony, the IGP refuted several allegations made against him by Chief of Police (COP) Alex Mensah and Superintendent George L. Asare.

    Dr. Akuffo Dampare also revealed that he was not part of the decision-making process to place three officers on interdiction.

    He clarified that this decision was made by the Police Council, and he had recused himself from it.

    Furthermore, he mentioned that since the issue came to light, he has consistently distanced himself from all related decisions.

    During his appearance before the committee investigating the matter on Tuesday, September 12, he emphasized that he refrains from involving himself in such cases.

    “I recused myself from the process. So I was not part of whatever decision that was taken to interdict or not interdict anyone.

    “It is a matter that was considered at the Police Council and they handled it in my absence. Anytime any issue about this particular incident is discussed anywhere within the police leadership, they feel my absence I think, and I believe that is the right thing to do.”

    Shortly after his testimony, images of the IGP and the officers who had accused him circulated widely on social media.

    Many netizens saw these photos as a demonstration of his strong camaraderie with his subordinates and highlighted the unity within the Ghana Police Service.

    This contrasted with the public perception created by the embattled police officers, which, according to many, painted a different picture.

  • IGP’s integrity doubt completely dispelled – Franklin Cudjoe

    IGP’s integrity doubt completely dispelled – Franklin Cudjoe

    President of IMANI Africa Franklin Cudjoe has asserted that Inspector General of Police George Akufo Dampare’s testimony during the parliamentary committee investigation into the alleged plot to remove him has clearly confirmed his integrity. 

    During an appearance on JoyNews’ PM Express, Cudjoe noted that the IGP’s statements regarding his association with Bugri Naabu, the central figure in the leaked tape controversy, were clear and compelling.

    “If there was any shred of doubt about the integrity of the IGP today, it was all put to rest. I mean, I don’t know who probably in his sound mind will still be questioning the IGP’s integrity as far as the allegations go.”

    “As far as the conversation about Mr Naabu’s involvement, I mean, he treated it as such. The police have been dealing with a gazillion number of people and interests, they do not have a commercial arrangement with the gentleman.”

    Mr. Cudjoe emphasized that Dr. Dampare’s acknowledgment of his acquaintance or lack thereof with Mr. Naabu should not tarnish his integrity.

    “He didn’t say he doesn’t know him, he didn’t say that. He says he has no commercial arrangement of interest to discuss with Mr Naabu,” he added.

    He emphasized that these claims have inflicted harm not only upon his family but also on the reputation of the police service.

    “I feel in my spirit that this is just not fair. Honourable chair, it is just not fair. Are we killing patriotism? That anybody can just get up, make allegations upon allegations, and people who go across the country – at times 48 hours without sleep, just to keep the country at peace – will be called to come and answer allegations that are unfounded?”

    In response to the allegations made by two officers during the parliamentary committee probe, IGP Dr. Dampare defended himself. COP Alex Mensah, one of the individuals heard on the tape, made several accusations against the IGP, including claims of obstructing promotions within the service, maintaining frequent contact with former President Mahama, and labeling Dr. Dampare as the worst IGP ever.

    Supt. George Asare, also heard on the tape, supported some of COP Mensah’s statements regarding the IGP’s management of the Service. When pressed for further details, he indicated a preference to disclose them in a closed session. However, he asserted that the leaked tape had been edited.

    During his appearance before the committee, Dr. Dampare refuted all the allegations made by the officers. He denied any involvement in orchestrating the recording of the leaked tape, which purportedly contained discussions about removing him from his position. He characterized the accusations against him as baseless and lacking evidence.

  • Leaked tape: IGP concerned over nature of hearing by Parliamentary Committee

    Leaked tape: IGP concerned over nature of hearing by Parliamentary Committee

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has expressed his concerns about certain aspects of the ongoing hearing on a leaked tape regarding plans to oust him by a Parliamentary Committee.

    He was dissatisfied by the fact that the three witnesses; COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi, and Superintendent George Asare were not obligated to provide evidence substantiating their allegations against him before he was called upon to testify.

    The IGP, while providing his testimony before the Committee today, insisted that continuing to toe that line might unfairly benefit his accusers.

    In his opinion, the attempts by previous witnesses to provide information to the committee did not sufficiently address the seriousness of the matter at hand.

    “Honourable Chair, I think we need to look at this carefully. Because that is not fair. Having said that, I don’t have any tape, I don’t know about it. And they should stop it,” he said on September 12.

    During his own appearance before the committee, on September 1, one of the witnesses, COP George Mensah, alleged that “intel suggests that what was used to tape the conversation was done by the current IGP.”

    COP Mensah further claimed that Dr. George Akuffo Dampare masterminded the recording of their conversation and leaked the tape to the general public.

    “He sent some people to do it, after which he went for it. So the tape, from my intel, is with the IGP, and he caused it to be leaked. So if this committee wants the tape, the right person to call before this committee is the Inspector General of Police,” he asserted.

    However, the IGP firmly rejected this notion.

    When the committee inquired about his reaction to these allegations, Dr. Dampare stressed that it is the duty of the accusers to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims before he is asked to respond.

    He expressed his concern that these actions might be an effort to divert attention and recommended that they be thoroughly scrutinized.

    “They are trying to twist it and divert attention. We allowed him to go on that fishing expedition, acting as octopuses in the quest to find something by whatever means to affect my person or my integrity,” he explained.

    The IGP, along with all four previous witnesses, is scheduled to appear before the council on Wednesday.

    They will also be joined by the National Security Minister, who was implicated by one of the witnesses in relation to an alleged NIB investigation.

  • I was not involved in decision-making process that interdicted COP Alex Mensah, others – IGP

    I was not involved in decision-making process that interdicted COP Alex Mensah, others – IGP

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare has clarified that he was not involved in the decision to interdict three officers for their roles in a widely circulated leaked tape aimed at removing him from office.

    Dr. Akuffo Dampare stated that the decision was made by the Police Council, and he had voluntarily removed himself from any involvement in the matter.

    During his appearance before the committee investigating the incident on Tuesday, September 12, he emphasized that he refrains from participating in such matters.

    “I recused myself from the process. So I was not part of whatever decision that was taken to interdict or not interdict anyone. It is a matter that was considered at the Police Council and they handled it in my absence anytime any issue about this particular incident is discussed anywhere within the police leadership, they feel my absence I think and I believe that is the right thing to do.”

    A press release issued by the Ghana Police Service initially announced the interdiction of three senior officers due to their involvement in a contentious audio recording that allegedly contained a plot to remove the IGP.

    The statement, signed by the Director of Police Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, disclosed that the three officers—Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr. George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Mr. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, and Superintendent Mr. George Lysander Asare—had been placed on interdiction while further disciplinary processes were initiated in accordance with Police Service regulations.

    However, this decision sparked diverse opinions. Subsequently, the Service later suspended the interdiction of the three officers.

    “Following the interdiction of COP/Mr George Alex Mensah, Supt/Mr Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Supt/Mr George Lysander Asare in connection with the leaked audio tape, the Police Administration would commence disciplinary proceedings into their conduct upon completion of the ongoing probe by Parliament.”

    “In order not to prejudice the ongoing probe, the Police administration has suspended their interdiction,” the statement signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Frace Ansah-Akrofi read.

  • IGP spotted exchanging pleasantries with Supt George Asare

    IGP spotted exchanging pleasantries with Supt George Asare

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare was spotted interacting with Superintendent George Asare, a key player in the ongoing investigations into the plot to oust the IGP, during a break in the parliamentary committee’s ongoing hearing.

    This interaction follows the release of a video showing Superintendent George Asare of the Ghana Police Service speaking with Chief Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during a meeting.

    They spoke about a number of topics, including the role played by the police in the opposition National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) electoral victory, and the potential replacement of the current Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare.

    In spite of the accusations and debate surrounding the conversations in the leaked video, IGP George Akuffo Dampare and Superintendent George Asare were seen mingling during the committee’s break.

    Watch video

  • I do not withhold promotions for junior officers – IGP

    I do not withhold promotions for junior officers – IGP

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has denied allegations of withholding promotions from eligible officers.

    In recent developments, 82 dissatisfied police officers filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General, the Ghana Police Service, and the IGP, alleging unjust and arbitrary conduct regarding their overdue promotions within the Ghana Police Service.

    These officers contend that, following their studies under the study leave with pay policy, they were entitled to promotions. Nevertheless, despite several months having passed since the completion of their studies, they have not received the expected promotions.

    Contrary to these assertions, Dr. Dampare has firmly rejected these accusations, asserting that the Ghana Police Service has indeed promoted all eligible officers as per the established criteria.

    “There is no hold up of promotion of any junior officer in the whole police service,” he said. “Even as we speak, the structure has been that any junior officer who is four years is sent to training and they are promoted. And they are waiting to promote the next set of officers who are due for promotion…So nobody in the service whose promotion is being held. So that is another set of concocted stories which is being put out there for mischievous reasons.”

    “So everybody who is supposed to be promoted based on the junior rank has been done and everybody who is supposed to be promoted based on the senior rank have been promoted and that is where we are,” he stated.

  • I don’t have a working relationship with Bugri Naabi – IGP

    I don’t have a working relationship with Bugri Naabi – IGP

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has refuted any existing professional association with the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu.

    Appearing before the parliamentary committee tasked to probe the leaked tape that could lead to his removal from office on Tuesday, September 12, Dr Dampare said: “I do not have any working relationship with him [Bugri Naabu]”. he had never visited me in my office”.

    When asked if he had enlisted Bugri Naabu to secretly record the leaked tape, the IGP unequivocally responded with a “No.”

    Bugri Naabu himself confirmed the authenticity of the contentious leaked tape, asserting that he had hired someone to record the conversation. This confirmation was made during his appearance before the committee investigating the matter on Monday, August 28, 2023.

    Superintendent George Asare informed the committee that Bugri Naabu had claimed he recommended Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to the President before his appointment as the IGP. He also alleged that his information suggested that the IGP had orchestrated the recording of their conversation with Bugri Naabu.

    The IGP had previously requested that the three implicated senior police officers be excluded from the proceedings during his testimony in the ongoing leaked tape probe. However, the Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, rejected this request, asserting that the IGP would not be harmed if those officers were present during his testimony.

    The leaked audio purportedly captured a scheme by the NPP to remove the current IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and manipulate the 2024 elections.

    During his appearance before the parliamentary committee tasked with investigating the leaked tape on Monday, August 28, 2023, Bugri Naabu confirmed the authenticity of the audio recording.

    In a candid admission, Bugri Naabu confirmed that the crucial conversation, which had stirred controversy, had indeed taken place in his office near the Osu Police Station, involving himself and three other high-ranking Police Officers named as Commander Asare, COP Mensah, and Superintendent Gyebi.