In a fiery statement made on Peace FM’s popular morning show ‘Kokrokoo,’ Charles Owusu, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed his strong support for Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and criticized those attempting to undermine his leadership.
Owusu’s remarks came in the wake of a leaked audio recording that allegedly contained conversations between some police officers discussing plans to discredit the IGP and possibly oust him from office.
Speaking on the probe into the leaked tape and the alleged plot to oust the IGP, Owusu began by commending President Nana Akufo-Addo for his commitment to good governance over political preferences.
He drew a parallel between the appointment of Martin Amidu as the Special Prosecutor and Dr. Akuffo-Dampare as the IGP, emphasizing that merit and dedication to serving the nation were the President’s primary criteria.
“Since the President assumed office, he has made numerous challenging decisions. When he appointed Martin Amidu as the Special Prosecutor instead of an NPP member, it caused dissatisfaction among Ghanaians, who questioned his choice. However, the President’s focus was on good governance rather than political preferences. The subsequent events are well-known.,” he said.
Owusu highlighted the prevailing perception that key positions in the government and security services were associated with political party affiliations. He argued that this perception had led to a division within the security service, where officers were identified by their party affiliations, even though their primary duty was to serve the country.
“The same scenario applies to Dr. Akuffo-Dampare. In our country, when a new government takes power and prominent figures in key roles are mentioned, the assumption is that they belong to the ruling party. Nevertheless, their commitment lies in serving the nation. If a President selects someone from the armed forces to join their ranks, that person is often seen as either an NPP or NDC member, depending on the party in power. This perception has become deeply ingrained in the security service to the extent that affiliations are clearly delineated, ” he added.
However, Owusu praised Dr. Akuffo-Dampare’s tenure as IGP, citing significant improvements in the Ghana Police Service. He acknowledged the deployment of body cameras for police officers, which enhanced transparency and accountability.
Additionally, he credited the IGP for his work in improving the intelligence aspect of the police service and reducing crime rates.
“Dr. Dampare’s tenure as IGP has seen significant improvements. Today, every working police officer in Ghana wears a body camera, a historical development. These cameras provide transparency and accountability, enabling us to determine their location and events during their duty. Crime rates have significantly decreased during his tenure, although it’s acknowledged that crime remains an ongoing challenge.
Dr Dampare’s achievements demonstrate that President Akufo-Addo’s decision to appoint him was well-considered and deserved. He has notably enhanced the intelligence aspect of the police service, combining strength with applied knowledge. Therefore, attempts to remove him from his position suggest a lack of love for Ghana. We require leaders like Dr Dampare to guide the Ghana Police Service, setting an example for those who will follow in their footsteps, enforcing the law effectively, and maintaining law and order,” he mentioned.
Expressing his disappointment in those attempting to undermine Dr. Akuffo-Dampare’s leadership, Owusu stated, “I think all the ploys to get him out of his position, those people do not love Ghana.”
He firmly believed that individuals of Dr. Akuffo-Dampare’s caliber were crucial for leading the Ghana Police Service effectively, ensuring law and order, and serving as role models for future generations of police officers.
Owusu also touched on the issue of leaked tapes, which had tarnished the image of the police institution. He called on all Ghanaians to support the IGP and his team in their efforts to maintain law and order in the country.
Mr Owusu emphasized that there could only be one Inspector General of Police at a time and urged unity and support for Dr. Akuffo-Dampare’s leadership. His impassioned defense of the IGP highlighted the importance of depoliticizing key roles in Ghana’s government institutions and focusing on merit, dedication, and service to the nation.
“We require leaders like Dr. Dampare to guide the Ghana Police Service, setting an example for those who will follow in their footsteps, enforcing the law effectively, and maintaining law and order.
The leaking of tapes, as witnessed recently, tarnishes the image of our institution. Personally, I wish Dr. Dampare success and encourage those working alongside him to support his endeavors, ensuring he can continue his valuable work. It is crucial to remember that there can only be one IGP at a time,” he said.