Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has stated that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, should not remain in office if he fails to investigate the post-electoral violence surrounding the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
His comments follow a directive from former President John Dramani Mahama, urging the IGP to investigate the violence that marred both elections, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and leaving a lasting impact on Ghana’s democratic process.
The investigation, according to President Mahama, aims to ensure accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
In an interview with Tutuwaa Danso on Starr FM, Toobu emphasised the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
“What occurred in the 2020 and 2024 elections regarding violence and deaths must be thoroughly investigated, and the findings should be made public,” he said.
“What the President has done so far has been lenient towards the Ghana Police Service. It is not for the President to personally direct investigations; it is the constitutional duty of the IGP to initiate investigations immediately when there are murders. The President’s directive stems from the lack of any report being submitted to him,” he added.
He further stated, “If I were the IGP, I would recognize that starting investigations now would highlight a failure to act earlier. I expect the IGP to submit a comprehensive progress report on all incidents of violence from 2020 to 2024 to His Excellency the President. This report should outline actions taken so far and plans for moving forward. If the IGP treats the President’s letter as the beginning of an entirely new investigation, then he no longer deserves to remain in office.”
Meanwhile, Security Analyst Dr. Adam Bonaa has welcomed President Mahama’s directive, describing it as timely and beneficial for addressing the scars left by the violence.
