The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has emphasized that his appointment as the head of the Police Service is solely based on merit and not influenced by any other factors.
During his appearance before the parliamentary committee investigating the leaked tape discussing his removal from office on Tuesday, September 12, Dr. Akuffo Dampare stated that his dedication and diligence in performing his duties have been instrumental in his current position.
He underlined that he has rightfully earned his position and that it is not the result of any special favors or considerations.
“So in terms of my ranking in the police service, it has been purely based on my competencies, my academic qualifications and hard work because of the passion I have for the work. I have not at any point in time been called aside by any individual and granted me any favour,” he said.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare received an invitation to appear before the Ad-hoc committee on Friday, September 8, in response to the allegations made against him by previous witnesses, which the committee deemed necessary to address.
Initially, the committee’s chairman announced that the hearing would be conducted privately on Sunday, emphasizing the need to protect national security by preventing certain issues from becoming public.
However, the approach has now changed, and certain parts of the investigation will be conducted publicly. During his recent address to the committee, Mr. Atta Akyea clarified that matters related to national security would still be subject to an in-camera session.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, is of the opinion that his successes and failures transcend beyond himself as an individual.
According to the IGP, the Police Service, which he leads, is a single unit, hence, his achievements belong to all in the Service and vice versa.
He made this comment on Tuesday when he appeared before a Parliamentary Committee established by Speaker Alban Bagbin to probe the leaked tape on the ousting of the IGP.
Dr George Akuffo Dampare noted that his administration is blossoming and cannot be described as the worst ever, as done by COP George Alex Mensah.
COP George Alex Mensah, who reappeared before the parliamentary committee tasked by Speaker Alban Bagbin to probe the leaked tape, on September 1, said “He (IGP) is not managing the police service well.”
On the matter, the IGP said: “By the grace of God and the honour done me by His Excellency the President, Nana Akufo-Addo Addo, we committed ourselves to transforming the organization to become the best institution in the country and a reference point for Africa and beyond in a team work fashion based on Genesis 1:26.
“So even granted that I am the worst, then all collectively are the worst, including my brother (COP Alex Mensah) who was serving in that capacity as member of the team that I lead.”
He therefore said: “So I think it was a slip of tongue on his part.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has indicated that the criteria for the promotion of police officers are vast.
He noted that one’s years at the Police Service do not override other requirements such as competency and vacancy.
The IGP made this known on Tuesday, September 12, during an appearance before the Parliamentary Committee tasked by Speaker Alban Bagbin with probing a leaked tape on the ousting of the IGP.
“The point that has to be made is that it is not a question about how many years you have been at the Service. We would have all loved to be promoted as soon as you are four years. Vacancy, competency, and other things factor into it. I was in my rank for six years, and I didn’t complain,” he said.
Eighty-two police officers have filed a suit against the Attorney General (1st defendant), the Ghana Police Service (2nd defendant), and the Inspector General of Police (3rd defendant).
The plaintiffs contend that the Ghana Police Service failed to promote them after they finished their studies under the organization’s study leave with pay policy.
In the lawsuit filed at an Accra High Court on May 15, the officers led by Deputy Inspector Kofi Osal claim they were denied their deserved promotions as well as entry into the Police College after the successful completion of their studies during the 2017/2018 academic year.
They maintained that the agency refused to promote them despite duly notifying them of the situation and further appealing to be promoted.
The complainants are therefore requesting that the court issue an order directed against the 2nd and 3rd defendants to grant the plaintiffs who qualify for accelerated promotions.
They are also demanding that a permit is given to the plaintiffs who qualify to enter the Police College without further delay.
On the matter, Director-General of Services at the Police Head Office, COP Enoch Adutwum Bediako, has emphasized that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, is not under any obligation to grant promotions to specific police officers.
During a session with students of the Police Basic School as part of the Snatch Them Young Police Initiative, COP Bediako advised future recruits not to assume that longevity in the service automatically entitles them to promotions from the IGP.
“You cannot go and tell the IGP that, I have worked so I need promotion, as if he is obliged to promote you, whether you work or you don’t work. No. The answer is, it depends on how you have worked within the period then the IGP will promote you. So in future, if you become police officers put that in your mind.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has refuted claims that well-deserving junior officers who are due for promotions have been denied that opportunity.
This comes after some 82 police officers filed a suit against the Attorney General (1st defendant), the Ghana Police Service (2nd defendant), and the Inspector General of Police (3rd defendant).
The plaintiffs contend that the Ghana Police Service failed to promote them after they finished their studies under the organization’s study leave with pay policy.
But in his appearance before a Parliamentary Committee tasked with probing a leaked tape of his ousting, Dr George Akuffo Dampare denied this claim.
A member of the Committee, Mr Boamah asked whether the senior officers promotion that has not taken effect is as a result of the inaction from the Police Management Board, made up of Schedule Officers who assist the IGP in the day-to-day administration of the Ghana Police and not the Police Council.
The IGP replied: “That is the position because they are the people to promote and more importantly, recently, a meeting was held and some consideration has been done, but the most important thing is that everybody who is supposed to be promoted in line with our policies are being promoted.”
He added that: “The point that has to be made is that it is not a question about how many years you have been at the Service. We would have all loved to be promoted as soon as you are four years. Vacancy, competency, and other things factor into it. I was in my rank for six years, and I didn’t complain.”
In the lawsuit filed at an Accra High Court on May 15, the officers led by Deputy Inspector Kofi Osal claim they were denied their deserved promotions as well as entry into the Police College after the successful completion of their studies during the 2017/2018 academic year.
They maintained that the agency refused to promote them despite duly notifying them of the situation and further appealing to be promoted.
The complainants are therefore requesting that the court issue an order directed against the 2nd and 3rd defendants to grant the plaintiffs who qualify for accelerated promotions.
They are also demanding that a permit is given to the plaintiffs who qualify to enter the Police College without further delay.
On the matter, Director-General of Services at the Police Head Office, COP Enoch Adutwum Bediako, has emphasized that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, is not under any obligation to grant promotions to specific police officers.
During a session with students of the Police Basic School as part of the Snatch Them Young Police Initiative, COP Bediako advised future recruits not to assume that longevity in the service automatically entitles them to promotions from the IGP.
“You cannot go and tell the IGP that, I have worked so I need promotion, as if he is obliged to promote you, whether you work or you don’t work. No. The answer is, it depends on how you have worked within the period then the IGP will promote you. So in future, if you become police officers put that in your mind.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has dismissed COP Alex Mensah’s claims that he is the least qualified person to hold the position.
Dr. Dampare emphasized that the evidence is readily available for anyone to examine and form their own judgment.
COP George Alex Mensah, who serves as the Director-General of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, made his remarks during his appearance before the ad-hoc committee investigating a leaked audio on Friday, September 1.
He asserted that Dr. Akuffo Dampare, in his current role as IGP, is the least competent individual to have ever held that position in the country’s history.
In his assessment, COP Mensah believed that, under Dr. Dampare’s leadership, the police administration was headed in the wrong direction.
“Honourable member and honourable chair, several opportunities and what I said yesterday if you give me the opportunity today, I will say it again. For me, for the 31 years I have been in the service, he is the worst IGP ever,” he said.
However, during his appearance before the committee on Tuesday, September 12, Dr. Akuffo Dampare strongly refuted COP Alex Mensah’s assertion.
Dr. Dampare suggested that perhaps COP Mensah had intended to express the opposite viewpoint.
“Perhaps my brother wanted to say I’m the best IGP but missed it. The records are there for everyone to see. It is not true my administration is the worst. He missed it. It can never be true that my administration is the work.”
“Is unfounded and it is baseless. I think the person the person could have done if he had nothing to say is to keep quiet,” he said.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has denied any involvement in orchestrating a covert recording alongside former Northern Regional Chairman for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu.
The leaked tape investigation has captured significant public attention in recent weeks.
During his appearance before the Parliamentary Committee tasked with probing the audio on Tuesday, September 12, the IGP firmly rejected the allegations connecting him to a conspiracy to surreptitiously record conversations involving the three implicated police officers – COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi – as well as Bugri Naabu.
The IGP underscored his dedication to upholding the law and preserving the integrity of the Ghana Police Service.
He expressed his complete willingness to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation, pledging to provide any required information or assistance to uncover the truth behind the leaked tape.
Bugri Naabu, has played a central role in the scandal surrounding the leaked tape.
The leaked audio recordings purportedly contain conversations involving him and other high-ranking police officials discussing a scheme to remove the IGP in order to facilitate electoral manipulation by the NPP in the 2024 elections.
Furthermore, the IGP revealed that certain unsubstantiated accusations leveled against him by the three police officers have caused significant distress to him and his family.
COP Mensah, when appearing before the committee, asserted that the IGP conspired in the recording of the audio with Bugri Naabu and claimed to possess the complete, unedited recording.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare has rubbished claims that his administration is the worst ever when compared to those of his predecessors.
His comment comes after claims by COP George Alex Mensah, one of the individuals being investigated for a leaked tape plotting the ousting of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
COP George Alex Mensah, who reappeared before the parliamentary committee tasked by Speaker Alban Bagbin to probe the leaked tape, on September 1, emphatically stated that in the history of IGPs, Dr George Akuffo Dampare is the worst.
“What I said yesterday, if you give me a chance, I’ll say so again. He is not managing the police service well.
“And for me, for the 31 years that I’ve been in the service, I can tell you that he is the worst IGP we have ever had in this country,” he said.
This assertion, according to the IGP, is false as his works have seen the Police Service being put on a great pedestal. Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee probing the leaked tape on his ousting, the IGP noted that his administration has achieved so much compared to what he, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, had come to meet.
He said: “By the grace of God and the honour done me by His Excellency the President, Nana Akufo-Addo Addo, we committed ourselves to transforming the organization to become the best institution in the country and a reference point for Africa and beyond in a team work fashion based on Genesis 1:26.
“So even granted that I am the worst, then all collectively are the worst including my brother (COP Alex Mensah) who was serving in that capacity as member of the team that I lead.”
He therefore said: “So I think it was a slip of tongue on his part.”
The IGP continued saying: “But let me speak to the issue, this is what it is. The current administration wants to be the best in terms of all those who have come before us. And we have a good reason for that. We are there, getting on to become the best in the history of the country.
“The reason we want to be the best and we are getting to become the best as a police administration under my leadership. When most of our forebears were there, we were, we saw what they did right and the challenges they faced.
“So being a graduate of management and leadership and a continuous student of sociology, psychology and philosophy, it is just clear that when you saw your forebearers were doing and have this opportunity, you surely should perform better than them. It is simple. You do what they were doing right. Learn from their mistakes and do better. There is no way you cannot be better than them.”
Dr George Akuffo Dampare therefore came to the conclusion that “it is not true that my administration is the worst. It can never be.”
According to the IGP, his ambition is to ensure the future generation of police officers do better than the current generation and right the wrong that may have been committed.
“We want those who come after us to be better than us by the same yardstick. They are watching us in terms of what we are doing, those we are getting right and the challenges that we are facing,” he said.
In a fiery showdown at the parliamentary committee investigating the leaked tape involving a plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Atta-Akyea, Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Atta-Akyea, declared in no uncertain terms that they have nothing to hide.
Addressing the IGP Akuffo-Dampare and his lawyer Kwame Gyan, who were summoned to the committee to answer questions regarding allegations made against him by complicit police officers, Atta-Akyea pulled no punches as he defended the committee’s actions.
“At the outset, let me make one thing abundantly clear,” Atta-Akyea began, his voice resonating with authority, “We have nothing to hide.”
The atmosphere in the committee room crackled with tension as the nation awaited the unfolding drama.
The chairman went on to explain the purpose of the committee’s actions. He referred to the leaked tape, which had sent shockwaves through the nation, and stated, “We have the humble view that we’ve not started taking the evidence because we are exercising discretion in the matter vis-a-vis national security concerns.”
The reference to “national security concerns” raised eyebrows and prompted a collective gasp from those in attendance. The nation had been waiting with bated breath for answers, and Atta-Akyea’s statement hinted at a deeper, darker truth hidden beneath the surface.
As the chairman continued, he emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation. “What was made open was in the kitchens of Ghanaians,” he said, alluding to the widespread dissemination of the leaked tape. He acknowledged that the public had a right to know but explained that certain aspects of the investigation would touch on sensitive national security matters, necessitating a shift to closed-door sessions.
The tension in the room did not subside. As the nation hung on every word, Atta-Akyea emphasized the distinction between allegations and evidence. He made it clear that the committee would rigorously examine any evidence presented to them, demanding that it be substantiated under oath.
“We will do the abduction of the evidence also on oath,” he declared, “Now prove it. That is a real task. And that is what the committee will do.”
The stakes were high, and the nation was watching closely as Atta-Akyea outlined the committee’s mission. He spoke of finding facts based on evidence, a process that would ultimately lead to recommendations for action.
“As a committee of parliament, we did not originate the trouble,” Atta-Akyea insisted. “None of us manufactured a tape.”
He defended the committee’s intentions, emphasizing their impartiality and commitment to fairness. “We do not have malice aforethought,” he asserted. “None of us has that kind of agenda.”
Despite the media frenzy surrounding the investigation, Atta-Akyea remained resolute. “I know the media is on frenzy trying to talk about what we are doing and even trying to dictate to us how we should investigate the matter,” he said. “It is their right to do what they want to do. But we have a remedy and we have a duty.”
As the chairman concluded, he reminded everyone of their constitutional obligation. “That a committee of Parliament is an extension of the Parliament itself,” he said.
With the chairman’s powerful words echoing in the room, the nation watched, waiting to see whether the parliamentary committee’s investigation would unearth the truth behind the alleged plot to oust the IGP or if more secrets would remain hidden in the shadows. One thing was clear: the nation would not rest until justice prevailed.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare says he is pained over the “unfounded” allegations levelled against him by his subordinates in the Police Service.
COP George Alex Mensah, one of the individuals being investigated for a leaked tape plotting the ousting of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has asserted that the Police service is well off without its current boss.
COP George Alex Mensah, who reappeared before the parliamentary committee tasked by Speaker Alban Bagbin to probe the leaked tape, on September 1, emphatically stated that in the history of IGPs, Dr George Akuffo Dampare is the worst.
“What I said yesterday, if you give me a chance, I’ll say so again. He is not managing the police service well.
“And for me, for the 31 years that I’ve been in the service, I can tell you that he is the worst IGP we have ever had in this country,” he said.
COP George Alex Mensah, however, did not provide justification for his assertion, as the committee noted that it would be unfair on the part of Dr George Dampare to be accused without his presence to agree or refuse.
Earlier, COP George Alex Mensah claimed that majority of officers in the Police Service are dissatisfied with the IGP.
But before the Committee today, Dr George Akuffo Dampare refuted these claims. According to him, he finds this assertion unfair as no shred of evidence has been brought against him.
“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,” an emotional IGP emphasised.
The IGP quizzed whether there is an agenda to kill patriotism.
“Are we killing patriotism, that anybody can get up make allegations upon allegations and people who go across the country sometimes 48 hours without sleep, just keeping the country at peace to be called to answer allegations that are unfounded,” he said.
They made all these allegations just to cover up probably the shame associated with what they got themselves into in the first place.
There were no common grounds at the preliminary stage when the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare appeared before the Parliamentary Committee probing the leaked tape on the ousting of the IGP.
Counsel of the IGP, Kwame Gyan, in his earlier submissions raised concerns over the presence of other witnesses, including former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, as well as COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare, during the period Dr George Akuffo Dampare gave his testimony.
“We strongly object to the presence of other witnesses,” he said.
But the Committee Chair, Samuel Atta Akyea, swept his comment under the rug, noting that “When they are here, it will not affect the IGP’s testimony.”
Mr Atta Akyea further noted that the witnesses would not be given the opportunity to talk or ask questions, hence their presence would amount to zilch.
His comments, however, did not sit well with the IGP’s counsel, who noted that as the witnesses would not make any contribution, their presence would not be relevant as the IGP gave his testimony.
For over five minutes, the duo went on arguing out their points. During this period, Mr Atta Akyea told Kwame Gyan that “I don’t want to have a banter with you.”
Finally, the Committee Chair asked the IGP‘s counsel whether their presence of the witnesses any way injure the IGP and the hearing.
“Can you tell this Committee the injury you will suffer if they are seated here, and then I take a decision. What injury are you going to suffer, I don’t get it,” he said.
In response, Kwame Gyan also posed a question to Mr Atta Akyea. He wanted the Committee Chair to explain how their absence would injure the Committee and the hearing.
“Honourable Chairman, in the event that they stay outside, what injury will they also suffer and what injury will the committee also suffer,” he asked.
Tired of the rebuttal, Mr Atta Akyea finally said: “The Committee is not only sitting today. And please mark my words carefully, you can wave your right not to speak and I wouldn’t worry at all. I don’t want to continue with the banter. I don’t need it.
These individuals and the IGP are going to continue after here. We are not ending proceedings today and some of the proceedings will be so important they will be in-camera,”
Following this, the Counsel of the IGP asked “is this the ruling of the committee so that the records will reflect.”
Mr Atta Akyea replied: “Yes, so that is it. I don’t know what else you want me to say. And if you want me to overrule my Vice, I will do that, yes. Because you have not satisfied me on one point”.
Following his remarks, Mr Gyan said, “the IGP is ready.”
The proceedings for gathering testimonies from individuals mentioned in a leaked audio recording discussing a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have entered a new week.
In contrast to previous information suggesting that the testimony of the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, would be conducted behind closed doors, Committee Chairman Samuel Atta Akyea has just announced that, like the others, this testimony will also be conducted publicly.
However, he noted that specific portions of the hearing, particularly those related to national security, will still be held in private.
Up to this point, the parliamentary ad hoc committee has received testimonies from all the individuals mentioned in the recording, including Bugri Naabu, former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), COP George Alex Mensah, Supt. George Asare, and Supt. Emmanuel Gyebi.
The Counsel of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare has raised an objection against the presence of three other witnesses who are being investigated over the leaked tape on plans to oust the IGP.
Dr. Dampare was invited to appear before the Ad-hoc committee over the matter and earlier reports indicated that the hearing would be made in camera.
However, upon appearance, it was indicated that portions of the IGP’s testimony would be made public in the presence of other witnesses; former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, as well as COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare, who have already appeared before the Committee.
This, the Counsel of the IGP, Kwame Gyan, noted as “unfair, unjust, and unequitable.”
He added: “We strongly object to the presence of other witnesses.” He noted that the IGP should have been called in earlier interrogations to sit in.
The committee, chaired by Mr Samuel Atta Akyea has overruled the claims, noting that the committee has been just. He argued that there was no need to have brought the IGP in earlier, as no foul comments had been made against him then.
He also noted that the witnesses would not be allowed to put any question before the IGP.
“When they are here, it will not affect the IGP’s testimony,” he added.
A letter requesting the presence of the IGP over the probe by Parliament was presented to the head of the Police Service last Friday.
On July 25, the Speaker of Parliament appointed Samuel Atta-Akyea, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, as the chairperson of a 7-member ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating a recently leaked controversial audio recording. This audio recording revealed clandestine discussions about plotting the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The audio, which exposed an alleged conspiracy involving a senior police officer and a prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to oust IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, sparked a debate in Parliament. The Minority called for a forensic audit in response to the revelation.
As part of its proceedings, the committee has heard testimonies from individuals such as the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, as well as COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare, both of whom have made several allegations against their superior, the IGP.
The two officers claim that Dr George Akuffo Dampare masterminded the recording and has the original copy.
New information has emerged regarding the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare’s testimony before the Parliamentary Committee investigating the leaked viral tape.
Dr. Dampare was invited to appear before the Ad-hoc committee, and he arrived at Parliament accompanied by senior police officials.
During his appearance, Dr. Dampare is expected to address allegations made against him by some earlier witnesses who testified before the committee.
Initially, the chairman of the committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, indicated that the hearing would be conducted in-camera, emphasizing the need to keep certain aspects of the proceedings confidential to protect national security.
However, today’s developments indicate a change in this approach, with parts of the probe now set to be conducted publicly.
On July 25, the Speaker of Parliament appointed Samuel Atta-Akyea, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, as the chairperson of a 7-member ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating a recently leaked controversial audio recording. This audio recording revealed clandestine discussions about plotting the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The audio, which exposed an alleged conspiracy involving a senior police officer and a prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to oust IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, sparked a debate in Parliament. The Minority called for a forensic audit in response to the revelation.
As part of its proceedings, the committee has heard testimonies from individuals such as the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, as well as COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare, both of whom have made several allegations against their superior, the IGP.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, appeared before the ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the alleged tape plotting his removal from office.
Dr. Dampare addressed various allegations that have been made against him by previous witnesses who have testified before the committee.
On July 25, the Speaker of Parliament appointed Samuel Atta-Akyea, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, as the chairperson of a 7-member ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating a recently leaked controversial audio recording. This audio recording revealed clandestine discussions about plotting the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The audio, which exposed an alleged conspiracy involving a senior police officer and a prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to oust IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, sparked a debate in Parliament. The Minority called for a forensic audit in response to the revelation.
As part of its proceedings, the committee has heard testimonies from individuals such as the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, as well as COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare, both of whom have made several allegations against their superior, the IGP.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, is scheduled to appear before the ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the alleged tape plotting his removal from office.
During this appearance, Dr. Dampare will be called upon to address various allegations that have been made against him by previous witnesses who have testified before the committee.
The chairman of the committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, disclosed this information in an interview with JoyNews on Sunday, September 10th.
“On Tuesday, all the individuals (Chief Daniel Bugri Naabu, Supt. George L. Asare, (COP) George Alex Mensah, and Supt. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi) … will come back with their lawyers.”
“Also, the most prominent person whose name has been bandied about, the IGP himself should also come with his lawyers.”
Mr. Atta Akyea stressed that the hearing would be conducted behind closed doors. He reiterated that certain matters within the hearing needed to be kept confidential to safeguard national security and, therefore, should not be made public.
“Some serious allegations have been made in public, but the substance of the allegations has not been made in public. That is to say, the evidential support for those allegations is what we are going to unearth, so which piece of evidence that we’ll give to the public that will not hurt national security, we’ll exercise that discretion,” he added.
On July 25, the Speaker of Parliament appointed Samuel Atta-Akyea, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, as the chairperson of a 7-member ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating a recently leaked controversial audio recording. This audio recording revealed clandestine discussions about plotting the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The audio, which exposed an alleged conspiracy involving a senior police officer and a prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to oust IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, sparked a debate in Parliament. The Minority called for a forensic audit in response to the revelation.
Subsequently, Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin proposed the establishment of the Special Committee and set a deadline for its report submission by September 10, 2023.
As part of its proceedings, the committee has heard testimonies from individuals such as the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, as well as COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare, both of whom have made several allegations against their superior, the IGP.
The Chairman of the 7-member ad-hoc committee responsible for investigating the alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Samuel Atta Akyea, has announced that Dr. George Akuffo Dampare is scheduled to appear before the committee on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
Additionally, Mr. Atta Akyea revealed that the three senior Police officers – COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi – who have previously testified before the committee, will return alongside their legal representatives on the same date.
He emphasized “also, the most prominent person whose name has been bandied about, the IGP himself should also come with his lawyers.”
“Some serious allegations have been made in public, but the substance of the allegations has not been made in public. That is to say, the evidential support for those allegations is what we are going to unearth, so which piece of evidence that we’ll give to the public that will not hurt national security, we’ll exercise that discretion,” he told Joy News.
Mr. Atta Akyea further noted that although serious allegations have been made publicly, the specific evidence supporting these allegations has not been disclosed to the public. The committee aims to uncover this evidential support while carefully considering national security concerns.
Meanwhile, Franklin Cudjoe, the President of the policy think tank IMANI Africa, expressed his view that the committee’s work should have concluded when the witnesses admitted to their voices being on the recorded tape. He questioned the committee’s decision to continue entertaining additional testimonies, particularly from the police officers, which he believed was leading to a reconsideration of the Ghana Police Service’s mandate.
Cudjoe commented, “I don’t know why the committee chairman is allowing storytelling, and suddenly we find ourselves in a situation resembling a comedy of errors.”
Private Legal practitioner Kwaku Paintsil, has noted that the Ghana Police Service’s decision to reverse the interdiction of three senior officers is a significant embarrassment for the security agency.
The three; Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Superintendent George Lysander Asare were interdicted due to their connection with an audio tape that reveals plans to oust the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare.
He asserts that the Service should never have interdicted these officers initially, especially considering the alleged leaked recording of a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), which is currently under parliamentary investigation.
In an interview with JoyNews, the lawyer emphasized that such action should have been taken only after the Committee had concluded its investigations. He cast aspersions on the counsel the IGP receives.
“Even though in my honest view, they now claim to have withdrawn the interdiction, it is giving the public an idea of what they want to do and even what I am hearing is worse, that they are talking about a disciplinary hearing.
“That is a presumption that what they have heard so far suggests or is an indication that something wrong has taken place but that is not proper because Parliament has not finished its inquiry, they have not come out with their findings and facts and recommendations or whatever it is. So where did they fall on the view that there is evidence or a case to go for disciplinary hearing and if it is so, what are they waiting for?
“So I am thinking that the way they are going about this is very embarrassing and what it means is that somebody is not advising the IGP or their legal department is not doing a good work,” he added.
In a statement dated September 7, the police indicated that the decision to suspend the interdiction, which was to make way for disciplinary proceedings in line with Police Service regulations, was to ensure it does not affect the ongoing probe by parliament.
As such, the Service noted that it would commence disciplinary proceedings into the officers’ conduct upon the completion of the parliamentary probe.
“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.
But a day later, the Police rescinded their decision.
Former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Atik Mohammed, has crititicized Bugri Nabu for recording police officers in a conversation.
According to Atik Mohammed, Bugri Nabu’s act of recording and exposing the officers was aimed at causing chaos and not with the intention of assisting the police service in any manner.
“I think its about time we told ourselves the danger this man is posing to the public. He is the one who incited all of these controversies and he did it with malice. He did not record because he want to help the country. He did it out of malice. That is why some people are suggesting that he was hired to record the security officers,” the former General Secretary of the PNC told the media on September 8, 2023.
Former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu confirmed the clandestine plot to oust the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare in a leaked audio.
The leaked audio making rounds has a Police Commissioner who identified himself as Mensa and a politician, who also describes himself as a former Northern regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), plotting the removal of Dr. Dampare because he is too firm and will not allow the 2024 election to be rigged.
An ad-hoc committe was formed by parliament last week to investigate the matter.
It has since emerged that Bugri Nabu cannot be trusted, Ghanaians are also begining to get disappointed in the police service due to shocking revelations unfolding about prominent persons in Ghana’s security service.
Spokesperson for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign, Nana Akomea, has quashed claims that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, has the potential of influencing the outcome of an election.
In a time of engagement with the media on KROKOKOOO, Nana Akomea explained that there had been several case where the police service voted against the ruling party at at a particular time.
Hence, he said, “I don’t agree with the narrative that an IGP can influence elections. I won’t agree to it today and I wont agree tomorrow. I have explained to you that the IGP is just one person, and at a time when the NDC was in power, even the votes of police officers were against the government of the time. So…IGP…even the votes of police officers kraa he can’t influence it, talk less of influencing the vote of you and I.”
He asserted that even in the time of the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), John Kudalor, “his government suffered the worst defeat than any government in the fourth republic.
“So if an IGP is capable of influencing votes, the evidence is against it. Some people are saying that the IGP was the cause of defeat in Assin North, but how about Kumawu. It doesn’t make sense! That assertion does not make sense! That the IGP caused the NPP’s defeat in Assin? How about Kumawu? Isn’t it the same IGP…or he travelled? I say it does not make sense. Even the electoral commissioner cannot influence votes, neither can the IGP,” Mr. Akomea explained.
Meanwhile, a private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has called for the authority to appoint an Inspector General of Police (IGP) to be removed from the president of the country.
He argued that the police service tends to become politically biased when officers believe that their promotion or appointment depends on the ruling political party.
Lawyer Martin Kpebu made these remarks during a discussion on the weekend edition of The Keypoints on TV3, as the panel deliberated on the leaked audio discussing the potential removal of IGP Dampare by COP Alex Mensah, Bugri Naabu, and Supt. Asare.
The President of the Institute for Security and Disaster Management Studies, Dr. Ishmael Norman, has called upon the ad hoc committee tasked with investigating the leaked tape related to the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to conduct all sessions in public.
In his view, holding closed-door, in-camera sessions would not serve the interests of transparency and accountability.
Instead, he emphasized that such sessions could foster mistrust in the entire investigative process.
Dr. Norman stressed that the public has a fundamental right to be informed about the issues afflicting the police force and the steps being taken to address them, as the police service is ultimately established to serve the people.
“Look, everybody in Ghana knows the police system has a problem, and the people complaining are people who should know or should have known. Therefore if you go behind the camera we will already now suppose that this is what is happening there, this is what is happening there, and it’s going to create conspiracy theories about what is happening.
“It is not good. Let the people know what is happening because it is the people’s service, not the government’s service. We pay for Dampare’s salary; we pay for the police officer’s salary.”
Dr. Norman expressed concerns that conducting proceedings behind closed doors might encourage speculation and fuel conspiracy theories, which could be detrimental to the reputation of the police force.
Furthermore, he voiced support for the investigation of the IGP, George Akuffo Dampare, but disagreed with the committee’s decision to hold in-camera sessions.
He argued that the pervasive issues within the Ghanaian police system are well-known to the public, and conducting secretive sessions could lead people to make assumptions about what transpires during the investigation.
Dr. Norman dismissed the notion that national security concerns justified the closed-door approach.
In his perspective, the real national security challenge lies in the identity politics at play within the police system, which is a more significant issue than any revelations that might emerge from the hearings.
He pointed out that identity politics permeates many institutions in Ghana, representing a systemic problem that poses a destabilizing influence on the country.
“What national security problem could that be? Already the police service is compromised in a deep systemic way, NPP, NDC and it’s just not the police service. It is almost every institution in Ghana.
“So this is a tip of the iceberg of all that is wrong with Ghana because of identity politics…and it is a very systemic and destabilizing effect in Ghana,” he said.
The Chairman of Parliament’s ad-hoc committee overseeing the investigation into the leaked tape involving discussions about the removal of the IGP, Samuel Atta Akyea, has disclosed that certain senior police officers have submitted a petition to the committee.
Although the specifics of their petition have not been made public, Mr. Atta Akyea affirmed the committee’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that the truth is uncovered.
This development follows the testimony of four crucial witnesses who appeared before the committee.
“Whilst we were sitting, the petitions were brought to us. We have not even read them but trust us as a committee that there is nothing of consequence that we will brush aside. It is going to be a very comprehensive process so if people want to aid us to do our fact-finding, we will not block them.
“But first of all, the rest are doing some serious reading of what is supposed to be the original tape and that will inform our next activity and what material is different from what we have used and then we will do what we call the proper analysis of the new tape and that will inform what we will do next.”
“If your name is on the tape and your role is significant when we are doing the proper fact-finding, then it is automatic that you will have to appear here before the committee. But the issue for determination, we will all decide if we do an obvious interrogation like the one we are doing on-camera or we do in-camera because of national security,” Atta Akyea explained.
Mr. Atta Akyea also mentioned that the committee will investigate a legal action filed against IGP George Akuffo Dampare concerning promotions within the police service.
“We have also just seen that some police officers have even taken the IGP to court in relation to their promotion. So I have instructed for the writ so we know the content of what is pending in court.”
However, Inusah Fuseini, the former Chairman for Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, expressed concern over the degree of political bias displayed by the police witnesses during their appearances before the committee.
Police Superintendent George Asare has aligned himself with Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah’s suspicion that the covert recording of their conversation with Bugri Naabu was part of a larger scheme.
As a Protocol officer within the Service, he has indicated that his investigations suggest that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) may have been responsible for facilitating the recording for undisclosed motives.
This pertains to a leaked audio in which police officers were overheard discussing plans to identify a replacement for the current IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. The release of this conversation caused significant controversy and led to a Parliamentary investigation.
This specific allegation arose when he was questioned by a parliamentary committee about who might have manipulated the tape.
Last Friday, COP Alex Mensah informed the committee that he believed the leaking of the tape was orchestrated by IGP George Akuffo Dampare.
“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 said on Friday, September 1.
When asked for his opinion regarding COP Mensah’s statement today, Supt George Asare affirmed and provided an explanation for his agreement.
According to him, intelligence gathered shows that “the IGP agreed with Bugri Naabu after Bugri Naabu had gone to inform the IGP that “somebody wants your post oo, he has come to me” to the extent that the CV that was collected from Commissioner and sent to Bugri Naabu by those boys…The CV that was intended for the appointing authorities, he gave it to the IGP.”
The officer mentioned that he possessed additional information but was concerned that its disclosure might jeopardize national security. As a result, he requested an in-camera hearing to share these details, including the individuals he believed played significant roles in what he suspected to be an act of sabotage.
“I will be happy that I say more when I am in-camera because it is not a healthy development at all,” he further mentioned.
“If you could remember when Alhaji [Bugri Naabu] called me, he knows my name and that I am Asare but God works under mysterious circumstances. I don’t know what moved Bugri Naabu into calling me Asante.
“And the Asante, per our Intel, is a corporal or sergeant who has been promoted to go to police college to become an ASP. And this same ASP, it was Commissioner George Alex Mensah who made him go to the peacekeeping mission. ‘Masa’ let me say this in-camera.”
Chairman of the adhoc committee set up by Speaker Alban Bagbin to probe the leaked tape on the ousting of the Inspector General of Police, Samuel Atta Akyea, has announced that a new audio is in the possession of the committee.
Reports indicate that Mr Atta Akyea made the disclosure on Monday, September 4, to the media after interrogating Superintendent George Asare.
“We have the benefit of a tape, on the assumption that it’s authentic. Members of the committee will have to listen to the tape and read the transcript, which will give us ideas on what to do next. First of all, do we bring all the stakeholders together with their lawyers for cross-examination and cross-firing to take place, while listening attentively? And then, after they have finished, will we have our turn?” he is quoted to have said by Citinewsroom.
During the interrogation of COP Alex Mensah last week, the accused noted that the leaked tape currently in circulation has been altered.
COP Alex Mensah managed to identify some parts of the audio but failed to accept the audio in its totality.
“This is an edited tape; there are so many things in that tape that I heard today that I do not remember, and there are certain things I remember that we discussed that are not on the tape,” he said.
When Superintendent George Asare faced the Committee, he also corroborated COP Alex Mensah’s statement.
“Honourable chair in my earlier comments to the committee, it was clear that the tape is incomplete, and whoever masterminded that tape which of course you will get to know by the close of day if not today, but I don’t know when the in-camera engagement will take place but before I sign out, you will understand everything,” he said.
Last week, former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Chief Bugri Naabu, informed the Committee that he sent a copy of the tape he had recorded to the president.
“Commander Asare and COP Mensah said currently all the Commissioners at the Police Headquarters are all NDC and we will see whether we will win this election or lose it. So that alone I was a bit worried…that was the reason why I did the tape and gave the President the tape. So that he will also hear directly and not from me, which I did.”
But COP Alex Mensah believes the tape was recorded by an individual directed by IGP Dr George Akuffo Dampare. He alleges that the original tape is with the IGP.
“So the tape, according to my intel is with the IGP and he caused it to be leaked,” he made the claim when he made his second appearance before the committee tasked to investigate an alleged plot to remove the IGP on Friday, September 1.
Meanwhile, the Abuakwa South Member of Parliament, Atta Akyea, is claimed to have stated that the committee will, in the coming days, hold in-door cameras with the accused.
“And then, are there matters which should not come into the public domain because of national security implications? So we will hold a long in-house or in-camera hearing, and then we will make some sense of it. This is how we are going to proceed. We will be guided strongly by the fact that this is not a simple exercise and that not everything should be fed to the public.”
Superintendent George Asare, the third witness in the ongoing inquiry into the alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has shared that he confided in the former NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu.
He did so because he believed that Naabu possessed the capacity to sway the President’s decision regarding the appointment of the new IGP.
Superintendent George Asare revealed that Bugri Naabu had asserted that he had recommended Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to the President before Dampare’s appointment as the IGP.
During his testimony before the Parliamentary Committee investigating the leaked tape on Monday, September 4, 2023, Superintendent Asare further stated that it was Bugri Naabu’s statements that persuaded him to propose COP Alex Mensah for the position of IGP.
He had hoped that Bugri Naabu would leverage his influence to persuade the President to make this appointment.
He explained, “When we met him, in the course of our conversation, he did indicate that he recommended the current IGP to the President.”
Superintendent Asare has also accused Bugri Naabu of concocting false stories about him.
During his appearance before the committee on Monday, September 4, Supt. Asare asserted that some of the comments attributed to him in the recorded tape were fabricated by Bugri Naabu and not actually made by him.
He explained that he had visited Mr. Naabu’s office at Naabu’s invitation, after the former NPP Northern Regional Chairman had informed him that the government was in search of a new IGP and had requested his recommendations.
According to Superintendent Asare, he provided three recommendations to Mr. Naabu, including COP Alex Mensah and Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah.
One of the witnesses under investigation for his involvement in the scheme to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Superintendent George Asare, has supported previous statements claiming that the crucial leaked tape in question has been tampered with.
He asserted that the tape, which has been made public, is not complete and has been manipulated by those responsible for its release. According to him, significant portions of the conversation within the tape have been intentionally removed, with the motivations behind this editing known only to the individuals orchestrating it.
When appearing before the parliamentary committee investigating the issue on Monday, September 4, Superintendent Asare maintained that the individuals responsible for the leaked tape would be identified.
“Honourable chair in my earlier comments to the committee, it was clear that the tape is incomplete and whoever masterminded that tape which of course you will get to know by the close of day if not today, but I don’t know when the in-camera engagement will take place but before I sign out, you will understand everything.”
The Director General of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, COP George Alex Mensah, likewise presented a similar argument when he appeared before the Committee.
“I remember having a conversation with Bugri Naabu,” he confirmed.
“What I am saying is that this tape that was played today is an edited tape…the tape played today has so many things I don’t remember and there are things that were said that are not on the tape,” he added.
On July 25, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, appointed Samuel Atta-Akyea, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, as the chairperson of a seven-member ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the recently leaked controversial audio. This audio revealed secret discussions about a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, allegedly involving a senior police officer and a prominent member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The release of this viral audio sparked a debate on the floor of Parliament, with the Minority members of Parliament calling for a forensic audit. In response, Speaker Bagbin proposed the formation of the Special Committee.
The Speaker has instructed the committee to present its findings by September 10, 2023.
Superintendent George Asare and COP Alex Mensah, two of three officers being interrogated over a leaked tape on the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), have confirmed to receiving reports on the removal of Dr George Akuffo Dampare by the government.
The two officers have accused the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, of announcing government’s alleged decision to replace the current IGP.
During Monday’s probing by the Parliamentary Committee set up to investigate the leaked tape, Supt. Asare said: “I went to Mr Naabu’s office on his invitation…after he told me that the government was looking for a new IGP and asked me for recommendations.”
Three individuals were recommended by Supt. Asare. The individuals recommended were COP Alex Mensah, Christian Tetteh Yuhuno and Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah.
During last Friday’s hearing, COP Alex Mensah publicly admitted his interest in becoming Inspector General of Police. According to him, his quest to become an IGP began as far back as 2017.
COP Alex Mensah admitted to submitting his CV to an individual, with the intention that it would be given to former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, who would then advocate for him to be appointed as the IGP.
“I gave my CV to someone to give to Bugri Naabu for him to lobby for me to be appointed the IGP. We all lobby. I started lobbying since 2017,” he said while emphasising that lobbying is a common practice.
COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah
COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah was appointed by President Akufo-Addo as the new Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in 2022.
The high-ranking police officer, until this appointment, was the former Director-General, Police Professional and Standards Bureau (PPSB) of the Ghana Police Service.
COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo Danquah was also appointed Director General Welfare and member of Police Management Board (POMAB), the highest decision-making body in the police, outside the Police Council which is chaired by the Vice President.
Christian Tetteh Yuhuno
COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno is the Director General of Administration, Ghana Police Service.
In 2016, then President John Dramani Mahama in consultation with the police administration promoted the Director-General of Police Operations, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to the rank of Commissioner of Police (COP).
This morning, the Parliamentary Committee investigating an alleged plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is in session.
Presently, the committee is hearing from Superintendent George Asare, whom former NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu claimed recommended COP George Alex Mensah to him for the position of IGP.
Last Thursday, the committee heard testimony from three police officers, with Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi being the first to take the stand.
Next was COP George Alex Mensah, who voiced concerns about the actions of the IGP, believing they would have unfavorable consequences for the entire police service.
COP Mensah, a former Director-General of Technical Affairs within the Ghana Police Service, was recorded expressing his apprehension to Bugri Naabu, suggesting that IGP Dampare’s actions could potentially lead to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) losing the 2024 election.
The Parliamentary Committee tasked with investigating a leaked audio recording concerning an alleged plot to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from position will resume its sessions today, Monday, September 4, 2023.
Previously, the key witness, former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Chief Bugri Naabu, underwent questioning by the committee.
Following his appearance, two police officers, Supt Emmanuel Gyebi and the key witness Commissioner George Mensah, were both subjected to rigorous questioning by the committee led by Atta Akyea.
Previously, the key witness, former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Chief Bugri Naabu, underwent questioning by the committee. Following his appearance, two police officers, Supt Emmanuel Gyebi and the key witness Commissioner George Mensah, were both subjected to rigorous questioning by the committee led by Atta Akyea.
The third police officer, Supt George Asare, is expected to testify before the committee today.
A significant development in the investigation occurred when COP George Mensah claimed that the IGP himself orchestrated the recording of the leaked tape and possesses the original copy.
He suggested that the committee should call upon the IGP if they need access to the tape. This revelation has sparked various opinions among the public.
One committee member, James Agalga, expressed the possibility of inviting the IGP to assist with the investigation. However, former Deputy Defence Minister, Major Derrick Oduro (Rtd.), holds a different view. He argued that there might not be a need to invite the IGP since the accusation revolves around him. Major Derrick Oduro also questioned whether the terms of reference for the committee cover matters that warrant inviting the IGP, and he expressed reservations about the direction the committee is taking in considering such an invitation.
A high-ranking police officer, COP George Alex Mensah, entangled in a scheme to remove the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has provided new insights into the efforts to alter the leadership of the Police Service.
COP Mensah disclosed that Commander George Asare had actively advocated for his appointment as the new IGP to succeed Dr. Dampare.
According to COP Mensah, Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, relayed to Superintendent Asare that the government under President Nana Akufo-Addo was contemplating a leadership change within the Police Service due to concerns about the current IGP’s performance.
COP Mensah went on to describe how Superintendent Asare subsequently proposed him as a suitable replacement for Dr. Dampare. He further explained that, based on this recommendation, Bugri Naabu extended an invitation to him for a discussion on the matter.
“Bugri Naabu told Asare that the IGP is likely to be changed, and they are looking for a replacement, so Supt. Asare told him that there is a boy who can do the job well. So Bugri Naabu invited me to come so we could talk,” COP Mensah explained.
COP Mensah has made no secret of his displeasure with the leadership of the present IGP, claiming that Dr. Dampare is the worst IGP in Ghanaian history in the past. When he testified before a parliamentary committee looking into the viral audio in which senior police officers were overheard discussing the removal of the IGP with Bugri Naabu, he maintained this stance.
“Dampare is not managing the Police Service well, and the majority of police officers are not happy. You can do your investigations. You can call the police officers underground, and they will tell you,” COP Mensah said.
COP Mensah also confessed to his political affiliation and acknowledged actively working in the interest of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), aligning with the sentiments heard in the leaked recording.
In the recording, he can be heard expressing the opinion that the removal of the IGP is essential to secure the NPP’s success in the 2024 elections.
These revelations provide insight into the political intricacies within the Ghanaian Police Service and the ongoing endeavors aimed at potentially altering its leadership.
Security Analyst, Adam Bonah, has proposed that Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah undergo a mental assessment due to discrepancies observed in his testimonies during the investigation into an alleged conspiracy to remove Ghana’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
COP Mensah, when questioned by the investigative committee, presented contradictory statements on various occasions.
When the committee drew COP Mensah’s attention to the inconsistencies in the confessions, he said, “I don’t remember some of the things I said yesterday. It wasn’t from my mind, but I’m not challenging what Parliament recorded.”
Adam Bonah has highlighted the Commissioner of Police’s (COP) struggles in recalling statements he made in prior sessions, combined with the inconsistencies in his testimonies. This has raised significant concerns about the COP’s mental well-being.
“I am not saying he is mentally ill, but I will recommend to the committee to get him to do some mental evaluation.
“Because if you said something yesterday in public and you couldn’t remember it today, then it raises concern. You heard Samuel Atta Akyea himself saying that you have found your memory,” he said.
He emphasized the crucial need to ascertain the mental fitness of COP Mensah, especially considering his senior position as a police officer with extensive experience.
“He is a grown man with about 31 years in the police service and he is almost 60 years old, obviously, it looks like all these have affected mentally if you ask me,” he continued.
“I stand to be corrected but I would recommend that COP Alex Mensah be asked to undertake some psychological or mental evaluation to make sure that he is mentally sound. Because his answers likely didn’t make sense. He was asked to provide some information which he didn’t,” he continued.
The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, asserting that he has constitutional responsibilities to fulfill when citizens are required to protest, regardless of the situation.
Mr Ayariga emphasized that the IGP holds a position of authority and responsibility because citizens entrust him with the task of maintaining peace and order in the country, including ensuring the safety and security of the public during various events, including peaceful demonstrations.
He stressed that the IGP must do everything possible to facilitate citizens’ exercise of their freedom to protest, and he pointed out that the IGP is paid and provided with the necessary resources to function effectively, so he cannot refuse to work if those resources are available.
“The IGP is not there on his own. He should take off his uniform and check to see if he is the IGP. He has constitutional obligations to live up to expectations when citizens must demonstrate, no matter how difficult the task. Even if it is difficult, the IGP must assure the demonstrators’ safety, security, and protection,” Mahama Ayariga said.
His comments come at a time when the Minority in Parliament is having an impasse with the Police over the approved route for its demonstration to demand the removal of the BoG Governor, Dr Ernest Addison.
Mr Ayariga expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of key government officials, particularly the IGP, and emphasized the importance of holding public servants accountable for their constitutional duties and responsibilities.
He noted that when citizens want to exercise their right to protest, it is the IGP’s responsibility to provide them with the necessary protection and security to ensure that the protests remain peaceful and that individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the peace are prevented from doing so.
He warned that the IGP could be the next public officer to be removed from office due to his behavior.
“We cannot offer you the resources, budget, recruit for you, or equip you with logistics such as vehicles, and you claim you are unable to accomplish your job. After the governor of the Bank of Ghana, we will demand the expulsion of the IGP,” he added.
Former Deputy Defence Minister, Major (Rtd) Derrick Oduro has expressed his belief that the ongoing parliamentary ad-hoc committee inquiry into allegations aimed at removing Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, should have been conducted privately, away from public scrutiny.
Major Oduro contended that certain aspects of the investigation involve sensitive matters that could jeopardize public security, which is why he made this suggestion.
Speaking to the media on Friday, September 1, 2023, the former Deputy Defence Minister also stressed that some of the comments made by the outgoing Director General, Technical of the Ghana Police Service, COP George Mensah, undermine the IGP’s authority and the president’s directives.
“I thought it was going to be an administrative inquiry so that some of these things don’t come out. This should have been done in-camera because some security issues would have come up and protected if it was in-camera. It is not the best that a sitting IGP is being chastised this publicly, it is not the best”.
The former Deputy Defence Minister also emphasized that some of the comments made by the outgoing Director General, Technical of the Ghana Police Service, COP George Mensah undermine the mandate given to the IGP.
“The president during the swearing-in of the IGP admonished him not to be a party IGP and that is exactly what this IGP is doing. So if it comes out that his works are not being appreciated by his own people, that is something that we should be worried about.”
“What is being said at the Committee can go a long way to harm public security and so this is a probe that should have been done without even allowing in the media. All the sensitive information and issues that emanated from the sitting should not have come out and this should not be repeated.”
Commissioner of Police (COP) Alex Mensah has alleged that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, frequently communicates with former President John Mahama.
While speaking before the ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged plot to remove the IGP, COP Alex Mensah claimed that his intelligence sources had indicated this.
However, he did not disclose the nature of the conversations between the IGP and the former president. When questioned about the credibility of his claim by the committee’s Vice Chair, James Agalga, COP Mensah insisted that his intelligence showed such contact but declined to provide further details, even during an in-camera hearing.
COP Alex Mensah also reiterated his position that Dr. Dampare is the worst IGP in Ghana’s history, stating that the Police Service is heading in the wrong direction under his leadership.
Additionally, he admitted to lobbying for the position of IGP since 2017 and affirmed his political alignment with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The ad-hoc committee was established to investigate a leaked audio recording that allegedly revealed a plot to remove the IGP from office. The committee is expected to submit its report by September 10, 2023.
Director General of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, COP George Alex Mensah, has revealed that Superintendent George Asare, who was purportedly linked to the scheme to remove the IGP, is not someone he considers a friend.
He clarified that he had collaborated with Superintendent Asare in Accra and only maintains a professional acquaintance with him.
“Mr. Chairman, Asare worked under me as a regional police commander in Accra, so he knows me and I know him.
“But he is not a friend that we meet outside of work and do things. No, but he knows me and I know him,” he said.
Appearing before Parliament’s committee tasked to investigate an alleged plot to remove the IGP of which he is involved, COP Alex Mensah narrated how he ended up in the office of Daniel Bugri Naabu, a former Northern Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) who recorded the tape.
According to Mr. Mensah, he was invited by Bugri Naabu as the latter was allegedly scouting for a new IGP because he was unhappy with the management of the current IGP, George Akuffo Dampare.
“Mr. Chairman, my going to Mr. Bugri Naabu was through his own invitation and the purpose was that the probability that they’re going to change the IGP is high and they’re looking for somebody who can do the job and do it well,” he said.
He continued by adding that, due to his good work and diligence, he was recommended by Superintendent George Asare to Bugri Naabu as a good candidate for the position of the IGP.
“The purpose of Mr. Bugri Naabu inviting me was that, one of the police officers had gone to tell him that if they’re looking for a new Inspector General of Police then the man that he thinks can do the job and do it well is Commissioner George Alex Mensah.”
“Then Bugri Naabu said if that is the case, bring him and let me see him, that is why I ended up at Bugri Naabu’s office.”
“My impression was that yes, he was scouting for a new IGP,” COP Alex Mensah recalled.
The Director General of Operations said he had no problem with Superintendent Asare being with him at the office because he trusted and had confidence in him.
“I’ve dealt with him on several issues as the Regional Commander, so yes I have confidence in him,” he indicated.
Daniel Bugri Naabu appeared before the committee on Monday, August 28, 2023 and admitted that he recorded the conversation about the proposed plot to remove the IGP and he did that to safeguard the interest of his party [the NPP].
Mr Naabu, who confirmed the authenticity of the secret tape, indicated that his plan was to forward the tape to President Akufo-Addo to take action but unfortunately the tape got leaked into the public space and led to a lot of controversies.
Following public reaction, Parliament set up the Committee, chaired by the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta-Akyea, to delve into the issue.
The panel has the mandate to investigate both the authenticity of the leaked tape and the allegations that have captured the nation’s attention.
The Committee is to submit its report on September 10.
COP George Alex Mensah, who has been implicated in a leaked audio recording allegedly plotting the removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) COP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has made a startling claim.
During his concluding remarks on the second day of his appearance before the special seven-member parliamentary committee investigating the leaked tape, COP Mensah alleged that it was IGP Dampare himself who orchestrated the release of the audio.
Before the committee, chaired by Samuel Atta Akyea and with James Agalga as the vice-chair, COP Mensah asserted that COP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare surreptitiously planted the device used to secretly record their conversation.
COP Alex Mensah attributed these allegations to the intelligence information he had at his disposal.
“My intel suggests that what was used to tape the conversation was done by the current IGP. He sent some people to do it, and 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 stated.
COP Mensah’s response came in reply to a question from Samuel Atta Akyea regarding whether he possessed the complete, unaltered audio of the conversation concerning the removal of the IGP, especially given his claim that certain segments of the leaked version did not accurately represent their discussion.
In an earlier statement to the committee, COP Alex Mensah expressed his disappointment at Bugri Naabu, a former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who was also involved in the audio recording. COP Mensah conveyed his dismay over the fact that their private conversation had been recorded without his knowledge or consent.
In a compelling denouncement, Director of Academic Affairs and Research at KAIPTC, Prof Kwesi Aning, takes issue with remarks by COP George Alex Mensah, Director General of Operations at Ghana Police, concerning the incumbent Inspector General of Police (IGP).”
COP Alex Mensah, who is approaching retirement later this year, leveled allegations against the IGP, asserting that the Police Service was not being efficiently administered.
He made these remarks during his appearance before a parliamentary ad-hoc committee investigating allegations from a leaked tape, suggesting his involvement in a plot to oust the IGP from office.
“It is true; the current IGP is not managing the service well. And I will not deny this today or tomorrow. I will say it everywhere I go. You can do your own investigation within the service and you will know,” myjoyonline.com quoted COP Alex Mensah.
In response to these comments, Prof Aning expressed concern, stating that it was problematic to sow discord against the IGP and question his popularity within the force.
“That demonstrates in no uncertain terms from where I sit, that he doesn’t mean well for the service,” Prof Aning
He further criticized the senior police officer for bypassing established complaint channels and resorting to political avenues for his grievances.
Prof Aning suggested that this behaviour indicated a lack of goodwill towards the Police Service.
Additionally, Prof Aning raised concerns about COP Mensah’s personal antagonism towards the IGP and his perceived intention to bring him down, describing the situation as unfortunate.
COP Mensah “translated his personal antagonisms towards the IGP and wants to go down with him.”
COP Mensah, a lawyer and Chartered Accountant, denied any personal animosity towards the IGP, attributing his statements to professional disagreements.
He admitted that the voice on the leaked tape was his but claimed that the content had been doctored.
Furthermore, he disputed the claims of a plot to remove the IGP and accused Bugri Naabu of lying before the committee.
One of the police officers being investigated over the alleged plot to remove the current Inspector General of Police (IGP) in a leaked tape, COP Alex Mensah, has accused Dr George Akuffo Dampare of gagging the mouths of his subjects.
According to COP Alex Mensah, his assertion that the Service has been mismanaged under the supervision of Dr George Akuffo Dampare stems from this reason.
“I’ve insisted that he is not managing the Service very well. Why, because now, as we speak, he has shut up the mouths of every police officer, including the Public Affairs Department. Nobody speaks,” he said.
He made this known when he appeared before the Parliamentary Committee set up by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to investigate the planned ousting of the IGP on Friday, September 1, 2023.
COP Alex Mensah has, however, clarified that he has no personal contention with his superior but engages in professional disagreement.
“As I sit here, I don’t have any dad blood but what I do is, I speak my mind whether you like it or not.”
“You are my boss and you do what I don’t like, I’ll tell you and you decide to hate me for that, that is your matter,” he added when he appeared before the committee on Thursday, August 31.
COP Alex Mensah, who is being investigated over the alleged plot to remove the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), in a leaked tape, says he received intel that the government was considering a replacement for Dr George Akuffo Dampare.
He made this claim when he appeared before the Parliamentary committee tasked with probing the leaked tape on Friday, September 1, 2023.
According to COP Alex Mensah, former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, informed Superintendent Asare that Dr Akuffo Dampare was going to be replaced.
“Mr Bugri Naabu told Asare that the IGP is likely to be changed and they are looking for a replacement.”
When asked the rationale behind the replacement by a member of the committee, James Agalga, COP Alex said: “What he said is that he wants to change him because they don’t like the kind of work that he is doing. That’s all he said.”
He therefore, per his account with Parliament’s committee, sent his CV to Bugri Naabu for the role of IGP.
“I had heard his name when it comes to NPP party circles, that he was a former chairman; he is a friend of the President. So once my boy told me that the man says he is ready to recommend me but he wants to see me, I said why not,” he said.
COP Alex Mensah shares the same alleged sentiment that the IGP has been ‘inefficient’ due to ‘mismanagement”. According to him, many officials in the Service have been gagged by the IGP.
“I’ve insisted that he is not managing the Service very well. Why, because now, as we speak, he has shut up the mouths of every police officer, including the Public Affairs Department. Nobody speaks,” he said.
The Police Management Board (POMAB) is headed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
The Board is made up of Schedule Officers who assist the IGP in the day-to-day administration of the Ghana Police Service.
COP George Alex Mensah, one of the individuals being investigated over the alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare in a leaked tape, has justified why he sought the assistance of Bugri Naabu in his quest to become IGP.
On Thursday, August 31, COP George Alex Mensah, while being interrogated by the parliamentary committee tasked with investigating the matter, noted that he submitted his CV to an individual, with the intention that it would be given to former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, who would then advocate for him to be appointed as the IGP.
“I gave my CV to someone to give to Bugri Naabu for him to lobby for me to be appointed the IGP. We all lobby. I started lobbying since 2017,” he said while emphasising that lobbying is a common practice.
On Friday, September 1, COP George Alex Mensah revealed why he decided to channel his ambition through Bugri Naabu.
According to COP George Alex Mensah, he did so because Bugri Naabu is friends with President Akufo-Addo, who is cloaked by law to appoint the Inspector General of Police.
When asked by the chair of the committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, if he had hope that Bugri Naabu could ensure he became IGP, COP Alex gave an affirmative response.
“I had heard his name when it comes to NPP party circles, that he was a former chairman; he is a friend of the President. So once my boy told me that the man says he is ready to recommend me but he wants to see me, I said why not,” he said.
He also noted that he received intel that the government was considering changing the current IGP.
“Mr Bugri Naabu told Mr Asare that the IGP is likely to be changed and they are looking for a replacement.”
When asked the rationale behind the replacement by a member of the committee, James Agalga, COP Alex said: “What he said is that he wants to change him because they don’t like the kind of work that he is doing. That’s all he said.”
For COP Alex Mensah, he is best placed to assume the role of Inspector General of Police. He therefore began taking actions to see to it that he became IGP, as far back as 2017.
In July 2021, President Akufo-Addo appointed the Commissioner of Police (COP) George Akuffo Dampare to serve as the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).
In October 2021, the president swore in Dr. George Akuffo Dampare as the substantive IGP.
Hohoe Constituency MP John Peter Amewu has revealed that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare is set to visit Godenu, where a confrontation occurred between residents and the police.
The clash reportedly claimed two lives and saw the burning of police vehicles as well as motorbikes in the area on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, citinewsroom.com reports.
The MP for the Hohoe constituency urged residents to exercise restraint as a probe has been launched into the case to bring perpetrators to book.
In an interview with Citi News, John Peter Amewu revealed that he has informed various state security agencies about the situation, and the IGP George Akuffo Dampare is expected to visit Godenu today [September 1, 2023] to assess the situation.
“I am just appealing to my people in the constituency to exercise some level of calmness, as we progress. I have been in touch with the IGP [ Akuffo Dampare], and he will be coming. I have also spoken with the Minister for Defence and the National Security Minister, so the government is taking this issue very seriously. You are the people we are supposed to govern, and so we need to protect you,” citinewsroom.com quoted him as having said.
The MP for the Hohoe constituency in the Volta region indicated that investigations are ongoing to fish out the perpetrators for the law to have its course, be it police personnel or a resident of Godenu.
“There are laws in this country, and the police are not above the law, neither are the citizens. I can assure them that any police officer found culpable of this barbaric incident, which they witnessed being perpetrated against the people they are supposed to protect, will be brought to book. Similarly, if it is the citizens who are at fault, the law will take its course,” he said according to citinewsroom.com.
Background
The incident which happened on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, states that the police allegedly opened fire on residents, leaving several others injured and one person dead.
According to citinewsroom.com, the incident took place when the police tried to arrest a man who was suspected to be carrying Indian hemp from his farm and escaped into a house in the village while riding his motorbike.
This prompted the police to begin shooting indiscriminately in their quest to find the victim and also burnt all motorbikes on the site, but ended up killing one person and injuring several others.
Some aggrieved residents, in reaction to the actions of the police, set one of the police vehicles ablaze.
Francis Kakraba, a resident of the Godenu narrated what transpired with regard to the incident.
“In the morning around 10:am, I heard some gunshots. I rushed out and saw some people screaming. The police after failing to arrest a farmer who was returning from his farm suspected to be carrying Indian hemp rushed to the community and started shooting.
“Some of their vehicles caught fire in the process. Some people sustained injuries and others have died,” he said according to citinewsroom.com.
According to citinewsroom.com report, the member of parliament for the area affirmed that he has been briefed on the incident and the police have begun probing the case.
Some residents have locked themselves up in their rooms over fears that they might be shot when they come out.
The body of the deceased has been sent to the morgue while injured persons have been taken to the hospital for treatment.
The residents of Godenu are calling for an end to police brutality in the area to bring culprits to justice.
Senior Police Officer, COP George Alex Mensah, who has been implicated in a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has revealed that Commander George Asare advocated for his appointment as the new IGP to replace Dr. Dampare.
COP Mensah disclosed that Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, conveyed to Superintendent Asare that the Akufo-Addo government was contemplating a leadership change within the Police Service due to concerns about the current IGP’s performance.
COP Mensah recounted that Superintendent Asare subsequently recommended him as a suitable replacement for Dr. Dampare. He further explained that based on this recommendation, Bugri Naabu extended an invitation for a discussion.
“Bugri Naabu informed Asare that there might be a change in the IGP position, and they were searching for a replacement. So, Supt. Asare mentioned that there was an individual capable of performing the role well. As a result, Bugri Naabu invited me for a discussion,” said COP Mensah.
COP Mensah reiterated his stance that the present IGP is the least effective in Ghana’s history.
He emphasized this viewpoint during his appearance before the parliamentary committee investigating a leaked recording in which senior police officers discussed plans to remove the IGP in conversation with Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“I can confirm that, during my 31 years of service in the Police Force, this IGP has been the least effective,” COP Mensah informed the committee on Friday, September 1.
He also mentioned that he had previously raised concerns with the IGP regarding issues within the Police Service that were negatively affecting the morale of police officers. However, his suggestions had been consistently disregarded.
On a separate occasion, COP Mensah told the committee that the IGP’s leadership style had resulted in a decline in morale among many police officers.
“Dampare’s management of the Police Service has been lacking, and a majority of police officers are dissatisfied. You can conduct your own investigations, and if you speak to the police officers on the ground, they will corroborate this,” COP Mensah asserted.
Furthermore, COP Mensah acknowledged being involved in politics and working in the interest of the New Patriotic Party, aligning with comments captured in a leaked recording where he advocated for the removal of the IGP to ensure the NPP’s success in the 2024 elections.
The Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee, assigned to investigate the alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has returned after adjourning its meeting with COP George Alex Mensah, Director of Operations at the Ghana Police Service.
The committee adjourned the meeting for an hour to allow COP George Alex and his counsel to have access to the leaked tape for hearing.
On Thursday, August 31, two key figures implicated in the alleged plot, COP George Alex Mensah, Director of Operations at the Ghana Police Service, and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi, appeared before the committee to respond to inquiries.
In his submission, COP George Alex Mensah accused former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu of falsehood during his appearance before the committee.
The chairman of the committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, tasked with investigating the leaked tape concerning a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo-Dampare, has issued a stern warning that any witness attempting to tamper with the controversial audio will face imprisonment.
He emphasized that no one, including any attempt to manipulate the tape, will be exempt from potential legal consequences.
Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who recorded the leaked tape, has confirmed its authenticity.
However, COP George Alex Mensah, one of the officers implicated in the tape, rejected the authenticity of the recording during his appearance before the committee.
He claimed that the tape had been extensively edited and that he couldn’t confirm all the details presented in it, citing modern technology’s capability for manipulation.
COP Mensah’s legal team had requested approximately an hour and a half to compare the transcript with the audio provided to them.
In response, Mr. Atta Akyea cautioned that attempting to manipulate the tape given to him could result in imprisonment, citing the act as “evidence tampering.”
The committee’s chairman assured that the committee had no intention of disgracing any of the officers implicated in the matter, emphasizing that their primary goal was to uncover the truth.
The committee’s proceedings were adjourned to allow COP George Alex Mensah to examine the audio alongside the transcription, as per his request.
The former head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) within the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Bright Oduro, is advocating for a thorough investigation into the allegations made against Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
DCOP Bright Oduro believes that the concerns brought forward by COP Alexander Mensah during his testimony before Parliament’s ad-hoc Committee should not be disregarded or overlooked.
In his view, the president has the authority to establish an inquiry to delve into the matters raised within the police service.
“So for me, we shouldn’t brush aside, or throw to the wind the accusations made against the IGP, there should be further probe. If we investigate and find out the IGP is doing what exactly he is mandated to do fine. If on the other hand, we find out that he is not managing the police well, as the officers were saying, then we find ways of rectifying whatever problem there is,” he said.
DCOP Oduro’s statement follows accusations made by COP Alex Mensah, the Director General in charge of operations, against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, alleging mismanagement of the police service.
COP Alex Mensah recently appeared before a committee to address allegations stemming from a leaked tape, where he was purportedly involved in a scheme to oust the IGP from his position.
COP Alex Mensah asserted that the discontent among serving officers towards the IGP is significant and believes that an impartial investigation would substantiate these grievances.
“It is true; the current IGP is not managing the service well. And I will not deny this today or tomorrow. I will say it everywhere I go. You can do your own investigation within the service and you will know.”
In his remarks during an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, DCOP Oduro acknowledged that certain police officers have voiced concerns regarding the IGP’s management of the police service. He went on to emphasize that several senior police officers also hold similar reservations.
DCOP Oduro further stressed that it’s essential to address other matters brought up in the leaked tape concerning the potential removal of the IGP, particularly issues related to the relationship between the police and the military.
Director of the Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Prof Kwesi Aning, has criticized comments made by COP George Alex Mensah, the Director General of Operations for the Ghana Police Service.
COP Mensah accused the current Inspector General of Police (IGP) of not effectively managing the police service during his appearance before a parliamentary ad-hoc committee investigating allegations that he was part of a plot to remove the IGP from office.
Prof Aning expressed concern over COP Mensah’s comments, stating that it is problematic to sow seeds of disaffection against the IGP and make claims about his unpopularity within the service.
He further criticized COP Mensah for not using internal channels to address his concerns and instead choosing to make political statements.
Prof Aning suggested that COP Mensah’s comments indicate a lack of goodwill towards the police service and may be motivated by personal antagonism towards the IGP.
COP Mensah had previously admitted that the voice on the leaked tape was his but claimed the content had been doctored. He denied any involvement in a plot to remove the IGP and stated that he had professional disagreements with the IGP but no personal issues.
The situation has raised concerns about internal divisions within the police service and the impact of such public disagreements on the institution’s image and effectiveness.
The industrial action had been initiated by the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) Branch of TUTAG and TUSAAG on August 25, 2023. The groups had raised concerns about changes to their retirement benefits, which they alleged were being sought by the university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Samuel Alnaa, against the Ministry of Finance’s approval. They also pointed out ambiguities in the Technical Universities Act (2026), Act 922 as amended.
The national body of the Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) had expressed support for the strike action taken by the BTU Chapter of TUTAG on August 28, 2023.
Police officers who spoke to Bugri Naabu about having their candidate become the next Inspector General of Police, were directed to seek the help of a spiritualist.
This was revealed by the Former Northern Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu.
Speaking at the Adhoc committee investigation an alleged plot to oust the IGP, he noted that he directed the senior police officers who contacted him over the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to seek assistance from mallams to enable them to have their candidate becoming the next IGP.
The move according to him, was to help the officers to plot to remove the current Inspector-General of Police from office, after admitting that he recorded the conversation between him and the officers.
According to him, he recorded the conversation between himself and some senior police officers regarding a plot to remove the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare to protect the interest of his party.
Answering questions regarding the leaked tape when he appeared before a Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee chaired by Samuel Atta Akyea, Bugri Naabu said his decision to record the conversation was to enable him to pass the message unaltered to President Akufo-Addo.
The former NPP Chairman explained the reasons why he asked the officer to consult a spiritualist, which is that he believes that God had the ultimate hand in leadership positions and that if they wanted the IGP post, then, they needed to go and see Mallams for that spiritual favour.
The former NPP Northern Regional Chairman became the center of attraction when an audio recording involving some senior police officers hatching a plot to cause the removal of the current IGP, George Akufo-Dampare, surfaced in the media.
He also named the three senior police officers who visited him and discussed the said plot as Commander Asare, COP Mensah, and Superintendent Gyebi.
Explaining how he recorded the conversation, the former NPP Chairman said he bought the recording device at the Accra Mall, adding that since he couldn’t have captured everything in his mind, hence his decision to record their conversations so that he would not leave any detail out.
The content of the leaked tape has generated a national discussion considering the nature of the conversation with senior police officers involved.
Following public reaction, Parliament set up the Committee, chaired by the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta-Akyea, to delve into the issue.
The panel has the mandate to investigate both the authenticity of the leaked tape and the intricate allegations that have captured the nation’s attention.
The former Northern Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, has claimed that one of the police officers involved in the recorded conversation discussing the removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, has ceased communicating with him since the audio leaked.
He stated that he phoned the officer with the intention of learning how the audio recording had become widely accessible, but as soon as the officer recognized his identity, he abruptly ended the call and declined to respond to any of his subsequent calls.
Bugri Naabu shared these details during his appearance before the Ad-Hoc Committee of Parliament on August 28.
During his testimony, he disclosed that he had recorded his conversation with the officers and had shared the recording with President Akufo-Addo.
He clarified that he took this step to safeguard the party and present evidence of certain officers’ plans to remove the IGP.
“I called Mr. Asare and asked him who sent the tape into the public domain, and he banged the phone on me. Then I called him again and he refused to talk to me.”
He further revealed that he received a threat from Commander Asare through his son, indicating a threat to his life over the leaked audio tape.
“But rather, he sent a message through my son, that he will deal with me, he threatened me,” Bugri Naabu added.
The circumstances surrounding the leaked audio have triggered significant attention.
To get to the bottom of the matter, the Speaker of Parliament appointed Samuel Atta-Akyea, the MP for Abuakwa South, to lead a 7-member ad hoc committee with the responsibility of investigating the leaked audio recording.
The recent difficulties the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, has had are a result of his dedication to bringing professionalism to the Ghana Police Service, according to Bernard Monarh, a former chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC). Bernard Monarh’s remark highlights the IGP’s reform attempts facing resistance within the police department. The New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s former Northern regional chairman, Bugri Naabu, acknowledged to recording a conversation he held with a number of senior police officers who were reportedly trying to have the IGP removed from office.
According to Bernard Monarh, a former PNC chairman, the difficulties the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, has had recently are due to his commitment to professionalizing the Ghana Police Service.
The comment made by Bernard Monarh emphasizes how the police department is resisting the IGP’s reform initiatives.
Bugri Naabu, the former Northern regionalchairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), admitted to recording a conversation he had with many high-ranking police officials who allegedly wanted the IGP removed from office.
“IGP Dampare is in big trouble. The ants are within his dress, biting him. The police don’t like him. His own officers are there, cutting him so that they can remove him.
“What is his crime? That is, he wants to introduce professionalism into the Ghana Police Service,” he said.
Bernard Monarh continued by saying that since the IGP started working, he has won support from the general public due to the improvements he has made to the police force.
He thinks that the Inspector General of Police is merely following the directives that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo gave him when he was appointed to that position.
Bernard Monarh continued by saying that since the IGP started working, he has won support from the general public due to the improvements he has made to the police force.
He thinks that the Inspector General of Police is merely following the directives that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo gave him when he was appointed to that position.
“Even if you didn’t like Dampare, what’s happening now has made you feel sorry for him. Because the NPPs themselves want a just person.
“And I recall President Akufo-Addo telling the IGP to go do your job as a police officer when he was about to oust him. He emphasized, “Don’t come here and take orders from above; that’s presumably what he’s doing.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, holds the distinction of being the youngest IGP appointed in the Fourth Republic and the eighth youngest since Ghana’s inception as a republic.
Dr. Dampare began his journey in the police service as a Constable in December 1990, embarking on a remarkable rise through the ranks.
After 24 years of dedicated service, he attained the position of Commissioner of Police (COP) at the age of 44 in the year 2014.
Subsequently, he was appointed Acting IGP and later confirmed as the IGP by President Akufo-Addo on August 1, 2021.
Since assuming his role, the nation and the police service have undergone noteworthy transformations, ranging from a decreased crime rate to an enhanced trust in the integrity and public image of the police force.
Decreased crime rate
The primary responsibilities of the police service are to maintain peace, uphold law and order within Ghana’s borders, and to actively address and prevent criminal activities in the nation.
During his tenure, IGP Dampare has effectively contributed to a notable reduction in the country’s crime rate, as evidenced by reports from the Crime Index Ghana spanning from 2014 to 2023.
The report indicates that in 2019, the level of crime in Ghana reached a peak of nearly 52 points but subsequently experienced a significant decline to 44.5.
The crime index serves as a measurement of crime levels in a given country or city. This decline in the crime index indicates that, during that time, Ghana experienced a considerable decrease in criminal activities, with the crime rate being categorized as moderately low.
Restoration of police integrity and trust
Prior to his appointment, it was a common practice for some police officers to cite “orders from above” as a reason for not prosecuting certain individuals and ensuring justice.
However, since IGP Dampare assumed his role, this practice has significantly decreased. He has been vocal in various media engagements, emphasizing his commitment to empower his officers to treat all individuals equally under the law.
As a result of this approach, five Members of Parliament were arrested for violating the law, with most of the cases involving traffic offenses.
The MPs arrested were: Emmanuel Kofi Buah (Ellembele MP), Mohammed Adams Sukparu (Sissala West MP), Dr. Stephen Amoah (Nhyiaeso MP), Kwabena Ohemeng-Tinyase (Former Kade MP), and George Mireku Duker (Tarkwa Nsuaem MP).
Furthermore, the recent arrest of influential individuals from the New Patriotic Party during the Assin-North bye-elections for electoral malpractice has dispelled allegations that the police service is acting as an arm of the government to oppress the minority.
IGP Dampare’s actions have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the rule of law without favoritism or bias.
Created a more relatable police force
IGP Dampare has exemplified the essence of the phrase, “The police is your friend.” From the onset of his tenure, he has prioritized building connections with ordinary Ghanaians. Whether it’s addressing angry youth in Ada regarding a dispute with the Electricity Company of Ghana or engaging with students at a public school who were initially apprehensive about the police, IGP Dampare has made personal connections to demonstrate that the police are approachable and supportive.
In an effort to reassure the young pupils that the police are indeed their friends, a high-powered delegation of senior officers, led by the IGP, visited the school to educate them about the duties and roles of the Ghana Police Service.
His relatable approach has earned him the endearing title of “the celebrity IGP,” and it has led many to perceive the police service under his leadership as more appealing and approachable. By fostering a friendly and empathetic image, IGP Dampare has been successful in strengthening the bond between the police and the Ghanaian community.
An end to the incessant rise of doom prophecies
On December 31, 2021, the usual ominous prophecies about deaths, diseases, and negative premonitions by certain prominent preachers were notably absent.
The reason behind this change was the proactive warning issued by the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. He cautioned these individuals to exercise caution in their prophecies during that time of the year to avoid infringing the law. The law enforcement department was prepared to take action against those who engaged in fearmongering without any evidence to support their claims.
The IGP’s warning had a significant impact, as he emphasized that under Ghanaian law, it is considered a crime for anyone to publish or spread statements, rumors, or reports likely to cause fear, alarm, or disturb public peace without concrete evidence to substantiate their claims.
This stance by the police force aimed to curb the dissemination of baseless and alarming predictions, ensuring a sense of security and peace among the public during the New Year celebrations.
The introduction of K-9 units and horse patrol operation
During IGP Dampare’s tenure, the Ghana Police Service introduced innovative measures to enhance law enforcement capabilities. One notable initiative was the establishment of horse patrol units and the deployment of K-9 units to strategic vantage points across the country. In October 2021, the Ghana Police Service revealed that officers, along with highly trained security dogs, were stationed at key locations in Accra.
This novel approach to policing aimed at achieving multiple objectives. Firstly, it increased the visibility of police personnel in public areas, fostering a sense of security and reassurance among the public. Secondly, it facilitated improved intelligence gathering, allowing the police to stay ahead of potential criminal activities and respond swiftly to emerging threats. Additionally, the K-9 units proved instrumental in detecting and tracking contraband goods, further bolstering the fight against illegal activities.
In August of the same year, the Police Administration extended this progressive policing approach by introducing the use of horses for patrol operations in Tema, Accra, and their surrounding communities. The incorporation of mounted officers not only added an extra layer of visibility and accessibility to policing but also proved to be an effective method for patrolling various terrains, especially in densely populated urban areas.
These modern and strategic advancements in the Ghana Police Service demonstrated IGP Dampare’s commitment to embracing innovative methodologies to ensure public safety, combat crime, and foster community trust in law enforcement.
The Paramount Chief of Wungu traditional area, Wunaaba Alhaji Saaka Sulemaana, has welcomed a visiting Police entourage, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to his palace.
He expressed delight as it was the first time an IGP had visited the area and his palace.
During the meeting, the chief informed the IGP that robbery incidents had significantly decreased in the past two years, improving the social lives of his people.
In response, the IGP highlighted the police’s commitment to providing community-specific policing, tailoring security solutions based on each community’s needs.
He stressed that the Police will continue to collaborate with chiefs and communities to achieve enhanced security outcomes.
The IGP and the police management board are touring the north-east region to assess the security situation, engaging with police officers and the public to gather first-hand information on welfare, operational, and administrative challenges.
The tour has covered over 80 percent of the country, with similar engagements conducted by Regional, Divisional, and District Police Commands nationwide.
