IGP distances himself from decision to suspend colleagues allegedly plotting to oust him

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare says he was not part of those who took the decision to suspend his colleagues who are alleged to have been involved in the plot to remove him from office.

According to him, he recused himself from the meeting of the Police Council that took the decision.

“I was not part of any decision to interdict or de-interdict the witnesses. I recused myself. I was not part of the decision taken by the Police Council” Dr. Dampare said on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, when he appeared before the parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating the alleged plot to oust him.

It would be recalled that the three officers alleged to have been involved in the plot to remove the IGP, COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi were interdicted on Thursday, September 7, 2023.

When they appeared before the parliamentary committee, the officers accused the IGP of several misdeeds, including mismanaging the Police Service and awarding contracts to a senior member of the NPP, Chief Bugri Naabu.

Later in the day, September 8, 2023, however, the Ghana Police Service suspended the interdiction of the three senior officers.

The police in a statement dated September 7, indicated that the decision to suspend the interdiction of the three police officers was to ensure it does not affect the ongoing probe by Parliament.

The police added that the Service would commence disciplinary proceedings into the officers’ conduct when the parliamentary probe is completed.

“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,” the statement explained.

The committee was constituted by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin after the MP for Elembele, Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah, had reported the content of the tape to the House. Per the directive of the Speaker, the terms of reference of the committee are; to ascertain the authenticity of the leaked audio recording, investigate the conspiracy to remove the current IGP, investigate any other matter contained in the audio recording, recommend sanctions to persons found culpable where appropriate, make recommendations for reforms where necessary and make such other recommendations and consequential orders as the committee might deem appropriate.