Any shred of doubt about IGP’s integrity has been put to rest – Franklin Cudjoe

Franklin Cudjoe, president of the policy think tank IMANI Africa, is of the opinion that George Akuffo Dampare’s testimony before the parliamentary committee looking into the alleged scheme to have him removed dispels any concerns about his honesty.

He said that the IGP was open about his friendship with Bugri Naabu, the guy in charge of the leaked tape incident, in an interview with PM Express on JoyNews.

“If there was any shred of doubt about the integrity of the IGP today, it was all put to rest. I mean, I don’t know who probably in his sound mind will still be questioning the IGP’s integrity as far as the allegations go.”

“As far as the conversation about Mr Naabu’s involvement, I mean, he treated it as such. The police have been dealing with a gazillion number of people and interests, they do not have a commercial arrangement with the gentleman.”

Dr. Dampare’s “mere acceptance of whether he (IGP) knows the gentleman Mr. Naabu or he doesn’t know the gentleman Mr. Naabu” cannot and should not compromise his integrity, according to Mr. Cudjoe.

“He didn’t say he doesn’t know him, he didn’t say that. He says he has no commercial arrangement of interest to discuss with Mr Naabu,” he added.

This comes after the IGP defended himself following several accusations made against him by two other officers during the parliamentary committee investigation.

COP One of the voices on the recording, Alex Mensah, made a number of accusations against the IGP, including delaying promotions within the service, maintaining contact with the late President Mahama, and referring to Dr. Dampare as the worst IGP ever.

Supt. George Asare, who was also on the video, supported some of the claims made by COP Mensah on the IGP and the way the Service is being managed. When prodded further, he stated he would prefer to reveal them behind closed doors.

But he argued that the footage that was leaked had been altered.

The IGP, however, refuted all of the allegations made against him by the officers when he appeared before the committee. He refuted reports that he was behind the recording of the audio that was leaked and allegedly contained negotiations towards his release.

The accusations made against him, according to him, are absurd and unfounded.

He underlined that these allegations have hurt not just his family but also the police department’s image.

“I feel in my spirit that this is just not fair. Honourable chair, it is just not fair. Are we killing patriotism? That anybody can just get up, make allegations upon allegations, and people who go across the country – at times 48 hours without sleep, just to keep the country at peace – will be called to come and answer allegations that are unfounded?”