IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
In a recent update on the probe into the leaked plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Samuel Atta Akyea, chairman of the parliamentary ad-hoc committee, has announced that Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the IGP, has been summoned to appear before the committee on Tuesday, September 12.
The purpose of this invitation is to give the IGP an opportunity to present his side of the story as serious allegations have been leveled against him including staging the recording and the subsequent leakage.
Chief Daniel Bugri Naabu, Supt. George L. Asare, (COP) George Alex Mensah, and Supt. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, who have already appeared before the committee, will also return on Tuesday accompanied by their respective lawyers.
Chairman Atta Akyea has stressed that the hearing will be held in-camera to prevent sensitive information that could jeopardize national security from being made public.
He explained, “Some serious allegations have been made in public, but the substance of the allegations has not been made in public. That is to say, the evidential support for those allegations is what we are going to unearth, so which piece of evidence that we’ll give to the public that will not hurt national security, we’ll exercise that discretion.”
The chairman also clarified that the committee has no intention of appointing a new IGP or tarnishing the reputation of the current IGP.
He reiterated that the main objective is to ensure that the IGP is given a fair hearing and the opportunity to clear his name.
When asked about the timing of when the hearing will be made public, Chairman Atta Akyea suggested a delay of approximately three hours.
He stated, “I think when it’s necessary for the public to come into the space, why not? But when it is frightening that what is ongoing is not good for national security, then we have to shut the public out.”
Lastly, Chairman Atta Akyea expressed confidence that the IGP would accept the committee’s invitation and attend the hearing. He emphasized his belief that the IGP would want to seize the opportunity to protect his name.
By Vincent Kubi