Superintendent George Asare, one of the police officers mentioned in a leaked tape allegedly plotting the removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare, has refuted claims that he directly met with Bugri Naabu, the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Regional Chairman.
During his appearance before the committee investigating the matter on Monday, September 4, Supt. Asare clarified that he had visited Mr. Naabu’s office through his son, Prophet Emmanuel Teye Bugri Naabu. He emphasized that he had known Emmanuel Teye Bugri Naabu for approximately two years.
“The first time I met him was when his son prophet Emmanuel Teye Bugri Naabu took me to his office that he was going to say hello. I have known him (Emmanuel Teye Bugri Naabu) for about two years”
Supt. Asare vehemently denied any involvement in a plot to remove IGP George Akuffo Dampare, stating, “I have never lobbied for anything in my professional life.” However, he acknowledged that lobbying, as a practice, was not inherently negative.
He explained, “Lobbying has been with man since antiquity. It is not today that lobbying started. In some jurisdictions, there are some bodies that are called lobbyists and if you want them to lobby for you, you just engage them and they do the job for you but I have not lobbied for anything before.”
The leaked audio, which surfaced on July 25, raised concerns about a purported conspiracy involving a senior police officer and a prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to remove IGP Dr George Akuffo Dampare from his position. This revelation triggered debates in Parliament, with the Minority calling for a forensic audit and a probe.
In response, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin appointed a 7-member ad-hoc committee, chaired by Abuakwa South MP Samuel Atta-Akyea, to investigate the matter. The committee was tasked with submitting its report by September 10, 2023.