There were no common grounds at the preliminary stage when the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare appeared before the Parliamentary Committee probing the leaked tape on the ousting of the IGP.

Counsel of the IGP, Kwame Gyan, in his earlier submissions raised concerns over the presence of other witnesses, including former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, as well as COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare, during the period Dr George Akuffo Dampare gave his testimony.

“We strongly object to the presence of other witnesses," he said.

But the Committee Chair, Samuel Atta Akyea, swept his comment under the rug, noting that "When they are here, it will not affect the IGP’s testimony."

Mr Atta Akyea further noted that the witnesses would not be given the opportunity to talk or ask questions, hence their presence would amount to zilch.

His comments, however, did not sit well with the IGP's counsel, who noted that as the witnesses would not make any contribution, their presence would not be relevant as the IGP gave his testimony.

For over five minutes, the duo went on arguing out their points. During this period, Mr Atta Akyea told Kwame Gyan that "I don't want to have a banter with you."

Finally, the Committee Chair asked the IGP's counsel whether their presence of the witnesses any way injure the IGP and the hearing.

"Can you tell this Committee the injury you will suffer if they are seated here, and then I take a decision. What injury are you going to suffer, I don't get it," he said.

In response, Kwame Gyan also posed a question to Mr Atta Akyea. He wanted the Committee Chair to explain how their absence would injure the Committee and the hearing.

"Honourable Chairman, in the event that they stay outside, what injury will they also suffer and what injury will the committee also suffer," he asked.

Tired of the rebuttal, Mr Atta Akyea finally said: "The Committee is not only sitting today. And please mark my words carefully, you can wave your right not to speak and I wouldn't worry at all. I don't want to continue with the banter. I don't need it.

These individuals and the IGP are going to continue after here. We are not ending proceedings today and some of the proceedings will be so important they will be in-camera,"

Following this, the Counsel of the IGP asked "is this the ruling of the committee so that the records will reflect."

Mr Atta Akyea replied: "Yes, so that is it. I don't know what else you want me to say. And if you want me to overrule my Vice, I will do that, yes. Because you have not satisfied me on one point".

Following his remarks, Mr Gyan said, "the IGP is ready."