In a recent investigation, Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has been cleared of any wrongdoing concerning a leaked tape that implicated senior officers in a plot to remove him from office. The investigative committee found no fault with Dr. Dampare, but the findings were damning for the three officers involved.
The committee’s report highlighted the severe implications of the actions of COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent Asare, and Superintendent Gyebi, stressing the potential damage to Ghana’s democratic process. “The conspiracy by COP Mensah, Supt Asare, and Supt Gyebi to remove the IGP based purely on partisan considerations could undermine free, fair, and transparent elections and, ultimately, the sanctity of Ghana’s democracy,” the report stated.
According to the report, the officers conspired to replace Dr. Dampare with an NPP loyalist and planned to meet with the President to achieve their goal. The committee also discovered that two officers had lied before Parliament and referred them to the Privileges Committee for further action.
The report noted, “Supt Asare and Supt Gyebi appeared to have acted in contempt of Parliament pursuant to Order 30 of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2000), as revised by Order 13 (1) of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2024). In this regard, the Committee is of the opinion that the matter be referred to the Privileges Committee for appropriate action.”
This scandal underscores the importance of maintaining integrity within the police force to ensure the preservation of democratic principles in Ghana. The exoneration of Dr. Dampare and the recommended actions against the involved officers highlight the need for accountability and transparency in the nation’s institutions.