IGP Removal Saga: Police Service interdicts 3 Snr Officers

The Ghana Police Service has interdicted three senior officers implicated in the viral leaked tape audio plotting the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare from office.

The three, Commissioner of Police (COP) Alex George Mensah, Director General, Technical of the Ghana Police Service, Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt Emmanuel Gyebi are allegedly captured on the tape plotting the ousting of the IGP with the former NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu.

Together with Bugri Naabu, the three officers are currently under investigation by Parliament for their roles in the leaked tape.

The interdiction is a prelude to disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Police Service regulations.

A press release issued by the Director of Public Affairs, ASP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, confirmed the interdiction and stated that it was initiated to facilitate an impartial inquiry into their actions.

“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.”

Earlier, there was a police wireless message signed by the Police Director General of Administration, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, explaining that the interdiction of COP George Alex Mensah, which takes immediate effect, is for the officers involved in the leaked tape saga.

It directed COP Alex Mensah to “hand over your weapons, uniform and other police accoutrements and/or properties including your authority badge to Depol/Logistics.”

The embattled officer who said Dr Akuffo Dampare is the worst ever the country has ever had in his 31 years of service was also directed to “hand over the command vehicle.”

Background

The background of this incident dates back to July 25, when the Speaker of Parliament appointed Samuel Atta-Akyea as the chairperson of a seven-member ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the leaked controversial audio. The audio recording revealed clandestine discussions about ousting the IGP, leading to debates in Parliament, with the Minority calling for a forensic audit.

COP Alex Mensah’s voice was notably present on the secret recording, discussing how IGP Dampare’s actions might negatively impact the governing New Patriotic Party’s chances in the 2024 elections.

Bugri Naabu, during his testimony before the committee, revealed that he recorded the plot with the intention of playing it for President Akufo-Addo to make a decision, asserting that his primary motivation was protecting the party’s interests.

COP Alex Mensah defended his visit to Naabu’s office by stating that he was informed that Bugri Naabu was searching for a suitable replacement for the IGP and was willing to recommend him for the position.

The embattled officer did not mince words in expressing his dissatisfaction with IGP Dampare’s leadership, describing him as the worst the country has ever had during his 31 years of service.

He claimed that many police officers share his sentiments and suggested that this discontent could affect the NPP’s electoral prospects in 2024.

Supt. George Asare, another officer involved, supported some of COP Mensah’s statements about the IGP’s administration but declined to elaborate further in public, hinting that he might disclose more information in a closed-door session.

He also echoed previous claims that the leaked tape had been tampered with, suggesting that the version released to the public was incomplete and edited by unidentified individuals.

However, in his testimony, Supt Gyebi denied any knowledge of such a meeting saying he had never met Bugri Naabu to discuss any such move.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, with the Special Committee directed to submit its report by September 10, 2023.