The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has denied running a one-man show at the Ghana Police Service.
Addressing the parliamentary committee probing the leaked audio today, September 12, 2023, Dr Dampare stated that his mandate of running an efficient and an all-inclusive service can be vouched for.
He revealed that the allegations made by COP Alex Mensah, and Superintendent George Asare when they appeared before the committee were purposely made to tarnish his image and reputation.
“… My POMAB members are here, unfortunately, they are not on oath so they cannot testify, we would have heard them. They call it united POMAB, and it is a chain, [and] 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… I was not involved in the recording of the leaked tape”.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
Furthermore, Dr. Dampare made it clear to the committee that he’s intent on responding to “wild allegations”, which is “unsubstantiated”, put forth by these officers, in an attempt to “cover up their shame”.
To this end, the IGP rejected the allegations, insisting that they are baseless and must not be considered critical to the proceedings of the committee.
Additionally, he highlighted that these “wild allegations without a shred of evidence” have brought a lot of pain to him along with his family and friends.
“… Then the pain also to mind my command, my leaders [and] my team that we work together, and the thousands of police people who are appreciating the strides that we are making in transforming organizations to be the best institution in the country, and a reference point for the rest of the world… He came with all these allegations in order to cover up probably the shame associated with what they got themselves involved in in the first place.”
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
Interference in 2024 elections
Meanwhile, the IGP has revealed that no individual has the power to determine the outcome of elections as was heard in the leaked tape. He indicated that elections are made up of several actors who have individual significant roles to play.
“Honourable Chair, the most important thing is this, election involves so many stakeholders and each one has its role, and the police also has its role… So, no entity or institution has some supremacy in terms of its role in ensuring that elections are successful. As far as I’m concerned, all the stakeholders have to play their role and because each role is unique, you cannot even be compelled to say which one is on top and which one is not.”
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
Furthermore, IGP Dampare expressed that the assumption that the strength of his authority and his duties to the country could decide the aftermath of elections is just an individual’s assertions. Nonetheless, he noted that he will continue to be diligent and honest with his job and professionally work as a team with his commanders.
“That is somebody’s opinion about me and I cannot question somebody’s opinion.Opinions are all over the place and as far as I’m concerned, I’ll continue to do my work, work in unity with my commanders across the country and do our job how it should be done, be it elections or any other matter.”
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
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