Supt. George Asare
The investigation into the leaked audio tape about a plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has taken a new turn as a fresh tape has emerged.
This revelation came to light after COP George Mensah and Supt. George Asare testified that portions of the original tape in evidence were doctored.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee probing the incident, Samuel Atta Akyea, disclosed this information to the media after Monday’s proceedings.
He stated that the committee will decide whether to hold an in-camera hearing or not, based on the evidence presented.
The Chairman went on to explain that the committee will listen to the tape and read the transcript to determine the next steps.
He added that they may call on all stakeholders to attend a hearing with their lawyers for cross-examination and cross-firing to take place.
However, the committee will also be cautious of national security implications and may hold an in-camera hearing for sensitive matters.
“We have the benefit of a tape, on the assumption that it’s authentic. Members of the committee will have to listen to the tape and read the transcript, which will give us ideas on what to do next. First of all, do we bring all the stakeholders together with their lawyers for cross-examination and cross-firing to take place, while listening attentively? And then, after they have finished, will we have our turn?”
“And then, are there matters which should not come into the public domain because of national security implications? So we will hold a long in-house or in-camera hearing, and then we will make some sense of it. This is how we are going to proceed. We will be guided strongly by the fact that this is not a simple exercise and that not everything should be fed to the public.”
The sitting has been adjourned indefinitely while the committee deliberates on the way forward.
The development of a new tape has introduced an interesting twist to the investigation.
The public awaits the outcome with bated breath as there are national security implications to be considered.
By Vincent Kubi