The police have halted the suspension of COP Mensah, Supt. Asare, and Supt. Gyebi
The Ghana Police Service has decided to temporarily suspend the suspension of three senior officers who were implicated in a leaked audio recording allegedly discussing the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
In a statement dated September 7, the police stated that this decision was made to ensure it does not interfere with the ongoing investigation being conducted by Parliament. The statement further explained that the Police Service would initiate disciplinary proceedings against these officers once the parliamentary probe concludes.
The statement reads, “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.”
COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi were interdicted on Thursday, September 7, after a leaked tape captured them allegedly plotting to remove the IGP in collaboration with former NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu.
During his appearance before the parliamentary committee, COP Mensah accused the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, of mismanaging the Police Service and claimed that the IGP’s leadership had led to a decline in morale among police officers.
He also admitted to being involved in politics and working in the interest of a political party, although he did not specify which party.
These comments aligned with similar sentiments expressed in the leaked tape, where he discussed the need to remove the IGP to ensure the victory of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections.
However, COP Mensah strongly denied the authenticity of the tape, asserting that it had been doctored and did not accurately represent his original conversation with Daniel Bugri Naabu.
Superintendent Asare also raised concerns about the tape’s authenticity and accused the IGP of conspiring to create the audio recording during his committee testimony.
The investigation into the leaked audio took a new turn when a fresh tape emerged, which was revealed during Monday’s proceedings.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee overseeing the investigation, Samuel Atta Akyea, disclosed this information to the media.
He explained that the committee would carefully consider the evidence and decide whether to hold an in-camera hearing or not.
The committee plans to listen to the tape, review the transcript, and may call all stakeholders to attend a hearing with their lawyers for cross-examination and further discussion.
The committee will also consider national security implications and may conduct an in-camera hearing for sensitive matters.
The sitting has been adjourned indefinitely while the committee deliberates on its next steps, adding an intriguing twist to the investigation.
