Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare has clarified that he was not involved in the decision to interdict three officers for their roles in a widely circulated leaked tape aimed at removing him from office.

Dr. Akuffo Dampare stated that the decision was made by the Police Council, and he had voluntarily removed himself from any involvement in the matter.

During his appearance before the committee investigating the incident on Tuesday, September 12, he emphasized that he refrains from participating in such matters.

“I recused myself from the process. So I was not part of whatever decision that was taken to interdict or not interdict anyone. It is a matter that was considered at the Police Council and they handled it in my absence anytime any issue about this particular incident is discussed anywhere within the police leadership, they feel my absence I think and I believe that is the right thing to do.”

A press release issued by the Ghana Police Service initially announced the interdiction of three senior officers due to their involvement in a contentious audio recording that allegedly contained a plot to remove the IGP.

The statement, signed by the Director of Police Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, disclosed that the three officers—Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr. George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Mr. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, and Superintendent Mr. George Lysander Asare—had been placed on interdiction while further disciplinary processes were initiated in accordance with Police Service regulations.

However, this decision sparked diverse opinions. Subsequently, the Service later suspended the interdiction of the three officers.

“Following the interdiction of COP/Mr George Alex Mensah, Supt/Mr Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Supt/Mr George Lysander Asare in connection with the leaked audio tape, the Police Administration would commence disciplinary proceedings into their conduct upon completion of the ongoing probe by Parliament.”

“In order not to prejudice the ongoing probe, the Police administration has suspended their interdiction,” the statement signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Frace Ansah-Akrofi read.