The credibility and authority of Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare are perceived to be diminishing, with concerns raised about political influence affecting the professional conduct of the Ghana Police Service under his leadership. There are allegations of political interference in matters such as transfers and the handling of high-profile cases.
Under Dr. Dampare’s directives, there is a perceived culture of controlling communication flow from regional commanders, potentially stifling the dissemination of information on crime incidents and serious cases that require public attention.
Dr. Mary Awusi, Deputy Director for Interparty & CSOs Relations and a National Campaign Team Member of the NDC, expressed these views on the “Adekyee Mu Nsem” morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Alex Nana Dogbey in Accra.
She reiterated that calls for the IGP’s resignation, sparked by a purported fake letter circulating on social media, are politically motivated to divert attention from the National Democratic Congress’s strategy to change the government in the upcoming December 7th elections.
Dr. Awusi expressed disappointment in the IGP’s leadership, citing unresolved major electoral violence and high-profile crimes languishing at police headquarters without adequate investigation.
Regarding the legislative instrument (LI) aimed at regulating cement prices in the country, she criticized its approach, arguing that it fails to address the underlying cost elements in cement manufacturing amid severe economic hardships faced by Ghanaians and manufacturers. She described Minister K.T. Hammond’s stance on the LI as inappropriate and cautioned against using it to stoke political tensions.
In a separate development, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, led by K.T. Hammond, has successfully introduced the controversial LI in Parliament. According to Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, the legislation no longer includes price control measures but focuses instead on price reporting.
He explained, “I don’t have any issues with this. Colleagues from both sides had serious concerns which have been addressed by the committee. Based on that, we are okay to support it. The focus now is on price reporting, not price control.”
First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu, presiding over Parliament, subsequently referred the LI to the subsidiary legislation committee. The legislation will mature after 21 sitting days of Parliament.
Story by: Alex Kukah
