The Ghana Police Service has officially suspended the interdiction of three senior officers implicated in a leaked audio tape allegedly plotting the removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
The decision to halt their suspension was announced in a statement dated September 7, as authorities aim to ensure it does not compromise the ongoing parliamentary probe into the matter.
The statement issued by the Police Administration states, “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.”
The statement added, “In order not to prejudice the ongoing probe, the Police administration has suspended their interdiction.”
Background: Accusations and Counterclaims
The controversy comes after COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi were interdicted on September 7, after a leaked tape surfaced, allegedly capturing them discussing plans to oust IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare in collaboration with former NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu.
During his appearance before the parliamentary committee, COP Mensah accused IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare of mismanaging the Police Service, claiming that his leadership had led to a decline in morale among police officers. He also admitted to having political affiliations, though he did not disclose the party in question.
COP Mensah’s remarks echoed those heard on the leaked tape, where he suggested that removing the IGP was necessary for the victory of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections. However, he vehemently denied the tape’s authenticity, alleging that it had been doctored and did not accurately represent his original conversation with Daniel Bugri Naabu.
Supt. Asare also asserted that portions of the tape were manipulated and accused the IGP of orchestrating the audio recording.
New twist in the investigation*
The investigation took an unexpected turn when a fresh tape emerged during the proceedings. COP George Mensah and Supt. George Asare testified that portions of the original tape presented as evidence were doctored.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee overseeing the investigation, Samuel Atta Akyea, disclosed this information to the media, stating that the committee would decide whether to hold an in-camera hearing or not based on the evidence presented. The committee intends to carefully examine the new tape and its transcript to determine the next steps.
Akyea also explained that stakeholders involved in the case, along with their legal representatives, may be called upon for cross-examination and cross-firing during the proceedings. The committee, however, remains mindful of national security concerns and may opt for an in-camera hearing for sensitive matters.
The sitting has been adjourned indefinitely as the committee deliberates on the best course of action. The emergence of the new tape has injected a fresh layer of complexity into the investigation, leaving the nation on edge as the truth behind the allegations continues to unravel.