Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has vehemently denied allegations that he runs a one-man show within the Ghana Police Service. Responding to these allegations during a parliamentary committee hearing probing a leaked audio recording, Dr. Dampare stressed that he consults with other senior police officers before making decisions.
The allegations were made by Commissioner of Police (COP) Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare during their appearances before the committee.
Both officers claimed that Dr. Dampare was responsible for the leaked tape, which has sparked significant controversy.
In his defense, IGP Dampare contended that these accusations were intentionally made to tarnish his image and reputation. He pointed out that the Police Operations Management and Advisory Board (POMAB), which he consults, comprises senior officers who collectively make decisions.
“I think I addressed this question earlier. My POMAB members are here, unfortunately, they are not on oath so they cannot testify, but we would have heard them.
They call it united POMAB, and it is a chain; nobody breaks it unless you are going on retirement and then we replace you. This whole idea of running a one-man show is just to paint me black, so it is never true. They [implicated police officers] went to lie, thinking that we would never get the opportunity to speak to it,” Dr. Dampare asserted.
Additionally, IGP Dampare denied any involvement in the recording of the leaked tape, stating unequivocally, “I was not involved in the recording of the leaked tape.”
The leaked tape purportedly captures senior police officers discussing with the former Northern regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, a plot to remove the IGP from his position. The ongoing parliamentary committee hearing continues to draw significant attention and scrutiny in Ghana’s political landscape.
