IGP Dr George Akuffo-Dampare
Allegations of a clandestine relationship between Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, have sent shockwaves through the parliamentary committee tasked with probing the leaked tape potentially compromising the IGP’s position.
Despite vehement denials by the IGP regarding any association with Bugri Naabu, emerging evidence suggests a connection contradicting Dampare’s testimony before the committee.
Sources with insider knowledge disclosed that the IGP allegedly maintained regular communication flow with the ex-NPP Regional Chairman, triggering a contentious debate within the committee on whether to consider this revelation as credible evidence.
Phone calls log available to the committee is said to have exposed how constant communication between the IGP and the former NPP official over a period, even though Dampare told the committee that he had no communication contact with Bugri Naabu.
Fearful of the implications of the leaked tape’s contents and evidence before the committee, efforts seem to be underway to bolster the public image of an individual connected to the scandal in the media space with adoption of public relations tools. Nevertheless, the committee, reportedly resolute on producing an unbiased report, continues its investigation in a bid to safeguard the integrity of its findings.
This comes after the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has denied having any working relationship with the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu.
In various meetings and discussions captured on video, Mr. Naabu made references to schemes between him, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dampare and junior police officers working under the instructions of the IGP.
In one of the tapes, Mr. Naabu confessed that the IGP instructed police to set up recording devices in his office at Osu to seal the plot.
The agenda was to setup and record some police officers who had gone to Mr. Naabu to express dissenting opinions about the IGP and his activities at the police headquarters.
One of the missions to be accomplished with these devices was to capture recordings of former Director General of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare at their blind side.
In one of the recordings, Bugri Naabu said: “Commander Asare. He is one of the people who came to complain…I wanted to record with my phone, but I don’t know how to operate the phone. So I told Police Headquarters that I don’t know how to operate the thing. I called the IGP and IGP came and spoke on what they were doing. I told him that they said they will come and meet me so he sent somebody. The person came and put recorders. He came and picked it from the police headquarters”.
But appearing before the parliamentary committee tasked to probe the leaked tape that could lead to his removal from office, Dampare said: “I do not have any working relationship with him [Bugri Naabu]. He had never visited me in my office. My knowledge of him is the knowledge I have for most people that I come across, and the knowledge I have of everyone and so many Ghanaians. He has no dealings with the police service”.
Asked if he contracted Bugri Naabu to secretly record the leaked tape, the IGP categorically stated: “No”.
He explained that Bugri Naabu has no commercial dealings with the Ghana Police Service.
“I have my aide-de-camp, who let me know if anybody wants to visit me. I cannot tell if there is a record of Bugri Naabu visiting my office. That information is at the reception. What I am trying to say is that he (Bugri Naabu) has not visited me,” Dampare said.
Bugri Naabu confirmed the veracity of the contentious leaked tape and insisted that he hired someone to record the conversation.
He made the confirmation when he appeared before the committee probing the matter on Monday, August 28, 2023.
During the committee hearing, Superintendent George Asare alleged that Bugri Naabu claimed to have recommended Dr. Dampare to the President before his appointment as IGP. Moreover, Bugri Naabu reportedly affirmed his involvement in recording the controversial conversation, solidifying the gravity of the unfolding situation.
Amidst the ongoing probe, the IGP had previously requested the exclusion of three senior police officers linked to the investigation during his testimony, a plea that was ultimately dismissed by the Committee Chairman, Samuel Atta Akyea.
This development raises more questions about Dampare and his leadership at the Ghana Police Service.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has come under heavy criticism lately for his fame-seeking adventures, with a section of the public describing his actions as populist.
Some security analysts have also questioned information flow between the police and the public as district, divisional and regional commanders are not permitted to speak to the media or update the public about criminal cases within their jurisdictions.
As the committee delves deeper into unraveling the complexities of the leaked tape saga, the public eagerly anticipates the forthcoming report, hoping for transparency and accountability in addressing the contentious issues at hand.
By Vincent Kubi
