Rev. Owusu-Bempah , Francis Xavier Sosu, Dr. Stephen Amoah and Abronye
During his tenure as Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare gained a reputation for his firm and sometimes controversial arrests of high-profile individuals, including pastors and influential figures within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His actions were seen as a bold attempt to enforce the law without fear or favour.
Here are five of the most notable arrests that occurred under his leadership:
1.Arrest of Rev. Owusu-Bempah and associates
The head pastor of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Reverend Isaac Owusu-Bempah, along with three others, Michael Boateng, Frederick Ohene, and Nathaniel Agyekum, were arrested on September 12, 2021.
The arrest was linked to the circulation of multiple videos that allegedly contained threats, the display of weapons, and the assault of police personnel.
According to a police statement signed by Acting Director of Public Affairs, ACOP Kwesi Ofori, the arrests followed a critical analysis of the said videos and intelligence gathered.
2.Arrest of NPP’s Abronye DC
The Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, was arrested over claims that former President John Mahama was plotting a coup with the help of Al-Qaeda militants.
The police charged him with publishing false news and engaging in offensive conduct that could breach public peace.
Abronye DC, however, remained defiant after his release on bail, insisting that he would continue to express his opinions despite what he described as a “populist incarceration.”
He also hinted at having personal grievances with the IGP, which he vowed to reveal in due time.
3.Arrest and conviction of MP Francis Xavier Sosu
On November 3, 2022, the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis Xavier Sosu, was arrested for reckless and inconsiderate driving.
He was spotted driving dangerously in the middle of the road at the Airport by-pass in Accra, putting pedestrians and other road users at risk.
The police impounded his Toyota Land Cruiser V8 with registration number GB-9776-21 and subsequently arraigned him before the La District Court on November 4, 2022. The court found him guilty and fined him GH¢2,400.
Additionally, he was ordered to remove illegally fitted sirens and lights from his vehicle, which the police later supervised.
4.Arrest of Nhyiaeso MP Dr. Stephen Amoah
In December 2021, the Nhyiaeso Member of Parliament, Dr. Stephen Amoah, was arrested along with six others during a police operation at the Airport bypass in Accra.
The offenders were cited for various traffic violations, including careless driving, dangerous driving, and obstruction of the road.
The police stated that Dr. Amoah was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 with registration number GT 7059-20 and failed to comply with traffic regulations.
He and the other offenders were processed for court the following day.
5.IGP Dampare personally arrests reckless driver
Dampare himself arrested a reckless driver on the Kumasi-Accra highway on November 28, 2021.
While traveling along the road, Dampare noticed a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 with registration number GB 3729-20 dangerously overtaking vehicles and forcing oncoming traffic onto the shoulders of the road.
The IGP personally pursued and apprehended the driver, identified as 29-year-old Danso Gilbert Tweneboah.
He was later handed over to the Kibi Divisional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) for further action.
A check on the vehicle’s insurance status using the National Insurance Code was also conducted.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:
