Chairman of the ad hoc Committee responsible for investigating the leaked tape revealing a plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position, Samuel Atta Akyea, has refuted claims of bias.
This response comes in the wake of accusations of bias from Mr. Kwame Gyan, the lawyer representing the IGP.
Mr. Gyan has expressed concerns about how Mr. Atta Akyea has been managing the committee’s proceedings, a sentiment he has held since the start of the investigation.
During his client’s appearance before the committee, Mr. Gyan raised objections regarding the presence of COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent Asare, who had previously testified against the IGP.
He requested that they be excused from the proceedings. However, Mr. Atta Akyea disagreed with the objection, despite a suggestion from Mr. James Agalga, the Ranking Member on the committee.
Nevertheless, Atta Akyea dismissed the allegations of bias.
Speaking to the media on October 10, at the end of an in-camera hearing by the committee, the Akim Abuakwa South Member of Parliament said “It is very disappointing for anybody to say I am biased. On the contrary, the generality of Ghanaians believe that I have steered the affairs of the committee well.
“If anybody is having jitters, that I am going to manufacture evidence against the IGP, it does not accord with common sense.
“Because what we are doing here is being recorded, so, Atta Akyea with whatever dexterity will not be able to improve upon the evidence,” he stressed adding that he was leading a fact-finding committee, whose proceedings were being recorded and transcribed.”
The leaked tape captured a conversation involving COP Alex Mensah (rtd), some senior police officers and the former Northern Region Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Daniel Bugri Naabu. In the conversation, there were apparent discussions about a plan to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) prior to the 2024 elections.
The contents of the tape implied that the NPP could not win the 2024 elections should the IGP remain in his current position. The voice accused the IGP of acting in alignment with former President John Dramani Mahama, who had purportedly assured him of his continued position.
While Chief Bugri Naabu acknowledged the tape’s content, COP Alex Mensah denied its accuracy, stating that certain portions had been “edited.” Nevertheless, he affirmed that he harbored no issues with the current IGP.