Speaker Bagbin creates a seven-person special committee to look into IGP audio that was leaked

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has asked a special seven-person committee to look into the allegedly leaked recording of a conversation about removing IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position.

Three representatives from each side of the House will make up Mr. Bagbin’s committee, which will also have a technical expert on staff to help with its inquiries.

“This issue goes beyond the defense and interior committee, and we need some of you who are good in information technology (IT) and other areas to submit your talents and skills to the committee for this work to be done,” he stated. Bagbin

Names of members

Prior to the House’s adjournment, Mr. Bagbin addressed the House and requested that the heads of the Majority and Minority caucuses provide the names of their members to the committee.

The Speaker instructed, “Leadership, please within one week we should get the names submitted because I know you have to do some consulting.”

Terms of reference 

The Minority Leader, Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah, had to submit the committee’s terms of reference for investigation after the Speaker had instructed him to do so.

He stated that the committee should determine the veracity of the audio recording that had been leaked, look into the plot to unseat the current IGP, look into any other information contained in the audio recording, recommend sanctions to those found guilty when necessary, make recommendations for reforms when necessary, and make any other recommendations and related orders that the committee may deem appropriate. Bagbin

Committee: why?

The decision to create the committee comes in response to a request made by the Parliamentary Minority caucus, which demanded a complete forensic audit to ascertain the veracity and legitimacy of the recording that was released.

On the floor of Parliament last Wednesday, Mr. Armah-Buah read an urgent declaration regarding the allegedly leaked tape.

He claimed that in the allegedly leaked video, there were alleged senior NPP members who had met with a senior police official to discuss the Assin North by-election, the IGP’s role, and how the IGP had not taken the initiative to help the NPP win the poll.

He asserted that Parliament should be concerned about the attempt to oust the IGP, the debate about the 2024 elections, and what steps need to be taken to remove Dr. Dampare in order to install a new IGP who will conspire with the current administration to achieve a particular result.

It comes down to the security of our nation, and it’s critical that this House inquires about the veracity of the recording that was leaked, he added.

Forensic audit 

It was a given that the leaked recording contained information about the IGP’s conduct as well as attempts and conspiracies to have him removed, according to the statement’s immediate past Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu.

He stated that the protection and security of the citizens, which was in the IGP’s hands, was the primary responsibility of the President and the Interior Minister.

“The only way to identify the people on the tape whose identities are unknown is through a forensically rigorous audit.

“Mr. Speaker, we do so not just to preserve the IGP’s professional integrity and to protect and empower him to ensure that elections in this nation are conducted in a way that is free from intimidation and fear, even tomorrow,” he added. Bagbin

He, therefore, encouraged the House to examine the leaked video carefully to see whether or not the information contained in it was accurate.

False impression 

Dan Botwe, the minister of local government, said insecurity should be rejected everywhere and in all situations.

However, he argued that it shouldn’t be implied that the election result was predetermined by the nomination of an IGP by the ruling government.

“If you’re claiming there’s a recording and whether it has to be looked at or not, Mr. Speaker, I have no issue because it’s in your bosom. However, it is incorrect for the Minority to comment on it and give the appearance that the election result is determined by the IGP in place, he said. Bagbin

Mr. Botwe noted instances of elections where opposing political parties won parliamentary seats nationwide during the tenure of various IGPs.

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