The unfolding drama surrounding the interdiction of high-ranking officers from the Ghana Police Service has taken another twist with the emergence of new audio evidence.
This controversy began when a leaked audio recording allegedly featuring discussions about the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) surfaced, implicating Commissioner of Police (COP) Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi.
The leaked tape, widely circulated on social media and other platforms, purportedly contains conversations among the three senior police officers, during which they discuss plans and strategies related to the potential removal of the current IGP. The discussions also involve Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In response to the public outcry and the seriousness of the allegations, the Ghana Police Service issued a press statement on Thursday, confirming the interdiction of the three officers. The statement emphasized that the interdiction is intended to pave the way for disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Police Service regulations.
The situation took a dramatic turn during the parliamentary committee’s inquiry when COP Mensah accused IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare of mismanaging the Police Service. He alleged that the IGP’s leadership had led to a decline in morale among police officers. COP Mensah also admitted to being involved in politics and working in the interest of a political party, though he did not disclose which party it was.
These statements aligned with sentiments expressed in the leaked tape, where COP Mensah can be heard suggesting that the IGP’s removal was necessary to ensure the victory of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections. However, he vehemently denied the authenticity of the tape, claiming it had been doctored and did not accurately reflect the original conversation with Bugri Naabu.
Supt. Asare also expressed similar concerns about the tape, alleging that portions of it had been doctored and suggesting the IGP’s involvement in plotting the audio recording.
However, the investigation took a fresh turn on Monday with the revelation of a new audio tape. Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee probing the incident, Samuel Atta Akyea, disclosed this development to the media after Monday’s proceedings.
Akyea explained that the committee would decide whether to hold an in-camera hearing or not, based on the evidence presented. Members of the committee would listen to the new tape and review the transcript to determine the next steps. Cross-examination and cross-firing involving all stakeholders and their lawyers may follow.
The committee, however, remains cautious about national security implications and may opt for an in-camera hearing for sensitive matters.
As the investigation unfolds and the drama continues to grip the nation’s attention, the public eagerly awaits the outcome, considering the potential national security implications and the impact on the reputation and integrity of the Ghana Police Service. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the inquiry progresses.