Dampare opts to abstain from disciplinary proceedings involving COP Mensah and two others
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has opted to abstain from any disciplinary proceedings related to the three senior police officers who were implicated in a leaked audio recording plotting his removal alongside former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu.
According to reports, Dr. Dampare has chosen not to participate in the disciplinary actions and will leave the decision on the fate of COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi to the Police Management Board (POMAB) and the Police Council.
Initially, these three senior police officers were placed on interdiction by the Police Service on Thursday, September 7, but this decision was later reversed.
In a statement dated September 7, the police explained that the suspension of their interdiction was aimed at preventing interference with the ongoing parliamentary investigation.
The statement clarified that once the parliamentary probe concludes, the Police Administration would initiate disciplinary proceedings against the officers.
The statement read, “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.”
A police source disclosed that henceforth, Dr. Dampare, who chairs POMAB and is also a member of the Police Council chaired by the Vice President, would not participate in meetings that decide the fate of the three officers.
During their appearances before the 7-member Parliamentary committee investigating the leaked audio, 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 the party.
These remarks echoed similar sentiments expressed in the leaked audio, where COP Mensah was heard discussing the necessity of removing the IGP to secure victory for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections. However, COP Mensah vehemently denied the authenticity of the tape, asserting that it had been altered and did not accurately represent his original conversation with Daniel Bugri Naabu.
Supt. Asare also argued that portions of the audio had been doctored and accused the IGP of orchestrating the audio recording when he testified before the committee.
The investigation into the leaked audio took a surprising turn when a fresh tape emerged during Monday’s proceedings. This development emerged after COP George Mensah and Supt. George Asare claimed that portions of the original tape presented as evidence had been altered.
Source – citinewsroom.com
