Dampare requests for the exclusion of implicated police officers during his testimony
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has officially requested that the three senior police officers implicated in the ongoing leaked tape investigation be excluded from the proceedings during his testimony.
This development marks a significant turn in the investigation into the leaked audio recording allegedly containing conversations among high-ranking police officials discussing the removal of the IGP.
The IGP’s request for the absence of the implicated officers during his testimony, as explained by his lawyer, Kwame Gyan, is aimed at ensuring a fair and impartial examination of the evidence.
The concern is that their presence might potentially influence the proceedings and compromise the integrity of the investigation.
The leaked tape revealed a plot involving the three officers – COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi – along with the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, to facilitate the removal of the IGP to benefit the ruling party in the 2024 December general elections.
During his appearance before the committee on Tuesday, September 12, the IGP’s lawyer, Kwame Gyan, emphasized that the request for the exclusion of the implicated officers underscores the IGP’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation. It also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the process.
The IGP’s forthcoming testimony is expected to be a pivotal moment in the investigation, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the leaked tape and the actions of the officers involved.
COP Mensah, Superintendent Asare, and Superintendent Gyebi have all previously appeared before the 7-member Parliamentary committee conducting the probe into the leaked audio.
During his appearance, COP Mensah accused IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare of mismanaging the Police Service and claimed that the IGP’s leadership had led to a decline in the morale of police officers.
COP Mensah also acknowledged his involvement in politics and working in the interest of a political party, though he did not specify which party. These remarks align with 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 tape’s authenticity, alleging that it had been doctored and did not accurately represent the original conversation with Daniel Bugri Naabu. Supt Asare also pointed out that portions of the tape had been doctored and accused the IGP of orchestrating the audio recording during his committee appearance.
