Police suspends COP Mensah, Supt. Asare, and Supt. Gyebi following the leaked IGP tape
The Police Service has taken significant action by placing three senior officers, including Chief Superintendent (COP) Alex Mensah, Superintendent (Supt.) George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, on interdiction.
This decision was prompted by the circulation of a leaked audio recording allegedly containing discussions about the potential removal of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The leaked tape, which has been widely shared on various platforms, reportedly features conversations among these three senior police officers discussing strategies and plans related to the possible removal of the IGP, alongside the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bugri Naabu.
A police memo issued on Thursday stated, “The Police Service has interdicted Commissioner Mr. George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Mr. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Superintendent Mr. George Lysander Asare in connection with the audio tape which has become a subject matter of investigation by Parliament.
“The interdiction is to make way for disciplinary proceedings into their conduct in line with Police Service regulations.”
During his appearance before the parliamentary committee, COP Mensah accused the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, of mismanaging the Police Service and contributing to a decline in morale among police officers.
COP Mensah also admitted to being involved in politics and working in the interest of a political party, although he did not specify which party.
His statements aligned with sentiments expressed in the leaked tape, where he advocated for the removal of 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, claiming it had been manipulated and did not accurately represent his original conversation with Daniel Bugri Naabu.
Supt. Asare also asserted that parts of the tape had been altered and accused the IGP of orchestrating the audio recording during his committee appearance.
The investigation into the leaked audio took a new turn on Monday when a fresh tape emerged. This revelation came after COP George Mensah and Supt. George Asare testified that sections of the original tape were doctored.
Samuel Atta Akyea, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee overseeing the investigation, informed the media of this development after Monday’s proceedings. He stated that the committee would decide whether to hold an in-camera hearing based on the evidence presented.
The committee will listen to the tape and review the transcript to determine the next steps. They may also call on stakeholders to attend a hearing with their legal representatives for cross-examination.
However, the committee will exercise caution regarding matters of national security and may hold in-camera sessions for sensitive issues. The sitting has been adjourned indefinitely while the committee deliberates on the way forward, introducing an intriguing twist to the investigation with potential national security implications.
