Martin Amidu confirms the genuineness of the leaked tape that alleges a plot against Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dampare.

 

Former Special Prosecutor Martin A. B. K. Amidu has affirmed the authenticity of the leaked tape that allegedly implicates high-ranking officials in a conspiracy to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare from his position. In an official statement, Amidu confirmed the validity of the leaked 50-minute recording, recognizing the voice of one of the individuals involved, whom he had previously represented as a client during his time as a lawyer in the Northern Region.

Amidu further mentioned that he personally witnessed the person in question receiving phone calls during serious discussions in their Accra office, suggesting a plausible explanation for the presence of a recording. He also suggested that inexperienced individuals might feel comfortable due to interruptions caused by incoming calls.

The leaked tape, which emerged on July 11, allegedly features a prominent police commissioner and some leaders of the governing New Patriotic Party discussing plans to remove the IGP, viewing Dampare as an obstacle to the party's success in the 2024 elections.

The government, represented by Minister of the Interior Ambrose Derry, strongly denies the allegations, dismissing the leaked tape as unfounded.

Amidu also revealed that a commissioner of police named Mr. Mensah, who has four months remaining on terminal leave before leaving the Ghana Police Service, was heard on the leaked tape along with other senior officers engaging in discussions against the IGP on various platforms. Amidu claimed that such behavior is rooted in a tradition within the police force where colleagues are undermined to secure preferential treatment for higher appointments.

Amidu alleged that the IGP was chosen based on demonstrated loyalty to the government and that discussions regarding his predecessor's replacement began well before their departure. He personally knew that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who chairs the Police Council and oversaw the meeting that formally recommended Dampare's appointment to the President, was a strong supporter of Dampare even before the vacancy arose.

Based on his experiences as a former member of the Ghana Police Council and Minister for the Interior, Amidu stated that vacancies in the IGP's office often lead to lobbying and maneuvering among senior police officers, especially when limited positions are available. He recalled instances where senior officers sought enhanced positions and shared stories about their competitors.

Amidu concluded by expressing concern that Dampare's relatively young age and potential long tenure in the position might provoke further scheming and maneuvering among senior police officers who seek his early removal. He characterized the contents of the leaked tape as typical of the internal politics within the Ghana Police Service.