Sadiq Adu Twum, a security expert, voiced dissatisfaction with the way Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery has handled the latest audio leak about a purported attempt to oust Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector-General of Police.
Sadiq Adu Twum expressed concern over the Interior Minister’s advice to Ghanaians to disregard the recording that was leaked.
The security analyst stressed that the Interior Minister’s remarks were wrong and demanded that real action be taken as opposed to just words. He emphasized how crucial it was for the Interior Minister to reassure the public and acknowledge the seriousness of the issue, rather than belittle it.
“Ambrose Dery’s earlier statement advising Ghanaians to ignore the audio is regrettable. This is a serious matter that demands our full attention. We must take it seriously and respond appropriately. We cannot simply brush it aside. Immediate attention and decisive measures are required,” he averred.
A debate has sparked from allegations of a scheme to remove the Inspector-General of Police. However, Ambrose Dery, the Interior Minister vigorously refuted these allegations, denying any involvement of the government or the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the alleged plan. He urged that as there is no conspiracy to have someone removed, it should be treated with the contempt it merits.
A high-ranking police officer and a member of the NPP are purportedly mentioned in the leaked audio, which, despite not mentioning any specific people by name, is allegedly a part of a bigger scheme to rig the 2024 elections.
Akufo-Addo Urged To Deal Swiftly With Rumour
Professor Ransford Gyampo, a renowned Political scientist urged the Akufo-Addo administration and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to respond to rumors that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) was going to be fired.
Prof Ransford Gyampo’s declaration follows the leaked audio in which several high-ranking police officers converse with a significant party figure who is thought to be former Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu. According to the audio clip that was leaked, the IGP was identified as an supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Professor Gyampo emphasized the political repercussions for the NPP and the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration in a Facebook post, if they were to think about firing the IGP because of his competency.
“It would be politically suicidal for the NPP as a party and the Akufo-Addo government to think about removing the IGP for being too competent. But if this is not their thinking, why can’t they swiftly dissociate themselves from the rumors?”
Prof Ransford Edward Van Gyampo
The leaked recording, which has generated controversy in political circles, calls into doubt the impartiality of the IGP and his involvement in the impending general elections, particularly in light of the NPP’s initiative to “Break the 8.”
The expression “Break the 8” refers to the NPP’s ambition to win a third term in power consecutively, a feat that has proven challenging for Ghana’s past administrations.
James Agalga, a member of parliament for Builsa North, added that the assurance given by Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery that nothing untoward will occur in the general elections of 2024, despite a leaked audio tape purporting to show a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police, is insufficient.
He further stated that a comprehensive investigation into this problem and dealing with individuals responsible for the recording was required. He also requested that the President starts an investigation into this matter.
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