In a surprising revelation, the Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, Tuesday vehemently denied any involvement in secretly recording conversations of some police officers with Bugri Naabu, a prominent political figure.
Dr. Dampare made this statement when he appeared before a Parliamentary Committee probing the leaked tape saga on Tuesday September 12, 2023.
He categorically stated that he does not have any working relationship with Bugri Naabu who is said be enjoying some largesse from the police administration, and therefore, the allegations of plotting secret recordings were baseless and unfounded.
He emphasized that he had no prior knowledge of such recordings nor any involvement in their creation.
The Inspector-General of Police refused to speak in camera concerning the allegations made by the three officers who earlier appeared before the committee.
Instead, he insisted on testifying publicly, stating, “I want the witnesses to be informed with the truth. I am testifying over lies which are in the public domain, so allow me to do so.”
Dr. Dampare’s strong denial has added a new twist to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged secret recordings involving Bugri Naabu.
Bugri Naabu had claimed that he procured the services of an unidentified person to do the recording and that person is said to be ASP Kenneth Asante Antwi of the police intelligence unit created by Dampare. The public has been eagerly awaiting clarification on the matter, as the recordings have caused significant political and public interest.
Bugri Naabu, a well-known figure in the political landscape, has yet to respond to the Inspector-General’s denial. The all the people who have appeared before the committee are expected to be heard at in camera sitting of the committee on Wednesday with hardcore evidence with the National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah in attendance.
Mr Kan Dapaah will assist the committee with the report of National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) investigation into the leaked tape saga.
It remains to be seen how this development will impact on the ongoing investigations into the alleged recordings.
The Inspector-General of Police’s statement has raised further questions about the authenticity of the recordings and the motivations behind their release.
The public is now eagerly awaiting more information and a thorough investigation to shed light on the matter.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it is evident that this case will have far-reaching implications for both the individuals involved and the wider political landscape.
The coming days and weeks will undoubtedly provide more clarity and insight into the truth behind these allegations.
The IGP, earlier had requested the exclusion of three senior police officers from the ongoing investigation into the leaked tape alleging a plot to remove him from listening to him.
The recording contained conversations allegedly involving high-ranking police officers and former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu.
The implicated officers are COP George Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi.
The request for their absence during the IGP’s testimony was aimed at ensuring a fair and impartial examination of the evidence, to avoid any influence on the proceedings and preserve the integrity of the investigation.
COP Mensah, who has already appeared before the 7-member Parliamentary committee, accused the IGP of mismanaging the Police Service.
However, he denied the authenticity of the tape, claiming that it had been doctored.
A fresh tape has however been handed to the committee by Bugri Naabu. Details of the fresh tape are yet to be made public.
By Vincent Kubi