The first sitting of the seven-member committee, established to investigate a leaked tape involving high-ranking police and New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials plotting the dismissal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), hit a snag as former NPP Northern Region Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu, failed to show up.
Led by Abuakwa South Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Atta Akyea, the committee convened for the first time on August 24 to hear testimonies from witnesses.
However, a letter from Mr. Bugri Naabu’s legal representative, Raymond Dornyo of Crabbe, Crabbe & Co, cited his ill health as the reason for his absence.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the excuse, Chairman Atta Akyea remarked, “It is not a satisfactory reason, unless it is a grave illness, we expect attendance.”
He emphasized the importance of witnesses adhering to the committee’s timetable and urged them to demonstrate respect for the committee’s proceedings.
Chairman Atta Akyea stressed the significance of punctuality, asserting that the committee has a strong commitment to time management.
He reassured that the committee’s intentions are not malicious, referring to its members as upstanding individuals within the community.
The committee’s formation followed a complaint by the Minority, prompting Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin to institute an investigation into the leaked audio recording.
The recording allegedly features conversations among high-ranking officials from the Ghana Police Service and the NPP, discussing the IGP and questioning his impartiality.
The voices asserted that the IGP had ties to former President John Dramani Mahama and is plotting to facilitate the return of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The leaked audio called for the IGP’s removal prior to the 2024 general elections.
Attributed to Mr. Bugri Naabu, the voice of an NPP party official is audible on the recording; however, he has denied recording the conversation.
The Speaker’s directive charged the committee with verifying the authenticity of the leaked recording, investigating the alleged conspiracy to oust the current IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and considering any other matters present in the audio.
Additionally, the committee is tasked with recommending appropriate sanctions for individuals found culpable, proposing reforms if necessary, and offering further recommendations and consequential orders as deemed suitable.