The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, asserting that he has constitutional responsibilities to fulfill when citizens are required to protest, regardless of the situation.
Mr Ayariga emphasized that the IGP holds a position of authority and responsibility because citizens entrust him with the task of maintaining peace and order in the country, including ensuring the safety and security of the public during various events, including peaceful demonstrations.
He stressed that the IGP must do everything possible to facilitate citizens’ exercise of their freedom to protest, and he pointed out that the IGP is paid and provided with the necessary resources to function effectively, so he cannot refuse to work if those resources are available.
“The IGP is not there on his own. He should take off his uniform and check to see if he is the IGP. He has constitutional obligations to live up to expectations when citizens must demonstrate, no matter how difficult the task. Even if it is difficult, the IGP must assure the demonstrators’ safety, security, and protection,” Mahama Ayariga said.
His comments come at a time when the Minority in Parliament is having an impasse with the Police over the approved route for its demonstration to demand the removal of the BoG Governor, Dr Ernest Addison.
Mr Ayariga expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of key government officials, particularly the IGP, and emphasized the importance of holding public servants accountable for their constitutional duties and responsibilities.
He noted that when citizens want to exercise their right to protest, it is the IGP’s responsibility to provide them with the necessary protection and security to ensure that the protests remain peaceful and that individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the peace are prevented from doing so.
He warned that the IGP could be the next public officer to be removed from office due to his behavior.
“We cannot offer you the resources, budget, recruit for you, or equip you with logistics such as vehicles, and you claim you are unable to accomplish your job. After the governor of the Bank of Ghana, we will demand the expulsion of the IGP,” he added.