The founder and president of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, does not think anyone in the correct frame of mind would still question the integrity of the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akufo Dampare.
According to him, the IGP’s testimony before the parliamentary committee looking into the alleged conspiracy to remove him has answered any concerns about his integrity.
He stated on PM Express on JoyNews that the IGP was straightforward about his relationship with Bugri Naabu, the alleged masterminder of the leaked tape.
“If there was any shred of doubt about the integrity of the IGP today, it was all put to rest. I mean, I don’t know who, probably in his sound mind, will still be questioning the IGP’s integrity as far as the allegations go.”
“As far as the conversation about Mr. Naabu’s involvement, I mean, he treated it as such. The police have been dealing with a gazillion number of people and interests; they do not have a commercial arrangement with the gentleman.”
Mr. Cudjoe stated that Dr. Dampare’s “mere acceptance of whether he (IGP) knows the gentleman Mr. Naabu or he doesn’t know the gentleman Mr. Naabu” cannot and should not soil his integrity. He didn’t say he doesn’t know him; he didn’t say that. He says he has no commercial arrangement of interest to discuss with Mr. Naabu,” he added.
This follows the IGP’s defense of himself after two senior police officers made accusations against him when they appeared before the commission.
One of the voices on the tape, COP Alex Mensah, made a number of accusations against the IGP, including that he was preventing promotions within the service, was in constant communication with former President Mahama, and was the worst IGP ever.
On the other hand, Supt. George Asare, who was also heard on the tape, supported COP Mensah’s claims about the IGP and his management of the service. When pressed for more details, he ultimately decided it would be best to reveal them in-camera. However, he claimed that the leaked tape contained edited footage.
The IGP, however, denied all the officers’ allegations when he appeared before the committee. He refuted claims that he was behind the leak of the tape, which allegedly contained plans to remove him from office. He called the allegations made against him ridiculous and baseless. He emphasized that these allegations have not only harmed his family but also the reputation of the police department.
“I feel in my spirit that this is just not fair. Honourable chair, it is just not fair. Are we killing patriotism? That anybody can just get up, make allegations upon allegations, and people who go across the country—at times 48 hours without sleep, just to keep the country at peace—will be called to come and answer allegations that are unfounded?”
