Martin A. B. K. Amidu, the former Special Prosecutor, has made a bold claim regarding a leaked tape. According to Amidu, the tape, which discussed persuading the President to terminate the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on grounds of disloyalty to the government, was staged.
He suggests that this was a deliberate ploy to divert the attention of opposition political parties, especially the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and potentially make them hesitant to complain if the Ghana Police Service fails to ensure fair and impartial security during the 2024 elections.
Amidu asserts that he knows for a fact that Dr. George Akuffo Dampare was handpicked for the role of IGP based on his proven loyalty to the current government. He reveals that discussions for the replacement of Dampare’s predecessor began well in advance of the latter’s departure from office. Amidu discloses that he was privy to discussions held by three key individuals who were part of the Police Council, and they were his friends. As the succession plans gained momentum, the President’s support and agreement were sought and obtained.
“The leakage of the tape recording has achieved its objective because the NDC in particular, other opposition political parties, and security and intelligence operatives have diverted their attention to defending and extolling the virtues and perceived neutrality of the IGP. IGPs do not win elections and can scarcely influence the polls. What an IGP can and might do is to position Regional, Divisional, District, and Station Commanders who will control his men at the polls and relax their security alertness and surveillance on election day. Even such a move in a national election is not without hazards for the IGP as some Commanders may give him out to the other side. The Assin North constituency by-election cannot be used as a yardstick for measuring the neutrality of the Ghana Police Service in the coming national elections in 2024.”
Furthermore, Amidu states that he is aware that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who chairs the Police Council and presided over the council meeting that officially recommended Dr. Dampare’s appointment to the President, was a staunch supporter of Dampare long before the position of IGP became vacant.
Amidu’s claims shed light on the behind-the-scenes maneuvers and discussions that took place prior to Dr. Dampare assuming the role of IGP. It appears that his appointment was not a sudden decision but rather the result of a carefully orchestrated process involving influential figures within the government.
These revelations raise questions about the transparency and fairness of the selection process for high-ranking positions within the Ghana Police Service. The alleged premeditated appointment of Dr. Dampare based on loyalty rather than merit may undermine public trust and confidence in the institution.
Amidu’s assertions also draw attention to the potential manipulation of political narratives and the use of diversionary tactics. If the leaked tape was indeed staged, it suggests a calculated effort to divert attention away from pressing issues and shift the focus onto internal political strife. This tactic could serve to undermine the credibility of opposition parties and limit their ability to raise legitimate concerns regarding election security.
As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including the government, opposition parties, and the general public, to maintain vigilance and demand transparency, fairness, and impartiality in the conduct of electoral processes and security arrangements. The revelations brought forward by Amidu should serve as a call for a thorough examination of the appointment processes for key positions and a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the integrity of democratic institutions.