Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Agordzo, recently acquitted and discharged in a high-profile coup plot case, has provided clarification regarding his appearance in police uniform during court proceedings, stating that it was due to circumstances beyond his control.
Agordzo’s decision to appear in court wearing police uniform sparked criticism from many Ghanaians, who accused him of disrespecting the Ghana Police Service. However, in an interview on Tuesday, February 7, 2024, the retired police officer revealed that his attire was a result of the treatment he received while in custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) (formerly BNI).
According to Agordzo, he was directed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to report to the NIB while he was in his police uniform. Upon arrival, he was stripped of his uniform by NIB officers who then detained him. When informed of his court appearance, he was provided only with the same police uniform to wear.
Recalling the events, Agordzo explained, “They (the BNI officers) actually stripped the police uniform together with the cap and everything and then put me in custody… On Wednesday morning, they came and told me that we’re going to court, so I should prepare. In their full glare, I prepared. There were no other clothes to wear. The uniform that I was wearing and brought in was the only thing available, so I wore it.”
Agordzo emphasized that he meant no disrespect to the police and suggested that the public’s criticism stemmed from misinformation. He attributed the situation to the unprofessional conduct of the NIB officers involved in his detainment, suggesting they may have acted hastily or without proper consideration.
“It was the unprofessional conduct of the BNI or whoever was in charge. Maybe they didn’t know what they were doing. Maybe they were so fascinated by the fact that they had gotten me, and therefore they didn’t think through it before sending me to court,” Agordzo stated.
The explanation provided by Agordzo sheds light on the circumstances surrounding his appearance in police uniform and underscores the complexities of his arrest and detention amidst the coup plot case.