Tensions nearly ran high at the recent Adhoc Committee meeting, where Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, issued a stern and cryptic warning to Superintendent George Asare who was responding to questions when he appeared before the Committee.
The meeting, convened to probe the alleged leaked plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, took an unexpected twist when Atta Akyea, known for his composed and deliberate demeanor, leaned in and uttered the words, “Be very careful,” directly to Superintendent Asare.
Mr Atta-Akyea’s remark was triggered by an engagement between a member of the committee, Honourable Eric Opoku, and Supt Asare. Hon Opoku had directed Supt Asare’s attention to certain statements attributed to him on the tape and was seeking clarification regarding them.
One of the statements pertained to a reference made by Supt Asare to an individual known as ‘Area Mama’ in the audio recording.
He is quoted to have said: “Today, I was with Nana Addo’s niece, you know area Mama? She said everybody has put the blame on Bediatuo,” and was asked to confirm if the claim was made by him.
However, responding to questions at the committee, he noted that the comment was a hearsay and that he was eavesdropping on a conversation which involved the said area Mama.
Subsequently, he was directed to a statement in which he implicated an individual named Bediatuo, who was mentioned in the audio, as being responsible for the difficulties faced by officers in the service.
He is quoted to have said: “Bediatuo and the man (IGP) are ‘like this.’ He is the cause of all the problems. So, Alhaji wants to hear something good. The Commissioner is here, and he is the one, as I’ve already told you, every policeman…” and was asked by Hon Opoku to confirm. But in response, he said he wished to remain silent on that.
It was at this point that Chairman Mr Atta Akyea cautioned Supt. Asare, advising him to exercise utmost care in his statement to avoid disassociating himself from the remarks made in the audio, as doing so could have implications for him.
“Supt. Asare please with the greatest of respect, he’s merely bringing to the fore what is on the tape so if you confirm what is on the tape, say so, but to dilate on it, ‘I might want to do it in camera,’ but immediately you distance yourself from what’s on the tape, hmmmm, the difference is very thin but be careful, be very very careful,” Mr Akyea said.