Eric Opoku: So, you did not approve of it?

Supt Asare: I did not approve of it because I don’t do those things.

Eric Opoku: Okay, page 24, top there – speaker three, hmm Alhaji but you know why you will not… I told him you cannot he doesn’t…

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair, which place is this?

Counsel: Page 24. I read, but you know why you will not…I told him you cannot. He doesn’t only contrast. You also go spiritual way and then you responded. Speaker three, okay. What is the meaning of okay here.

How Supt. Asare was probed over the leaked IGP audio part 2

CONTINUATION …

 Supt. Asare:  Hon. Chair which place is this?

Eric Opoku: Page 24 of the transcript: “hmm…” after Speaker 3, then Alhaji. I read: “But you know why you will not…I told him, you cannot, he doesn’t only contrasts. You also goes, spiritual way” and then you responded, Speaker 3: “Okay” what is the meaning of okay here?

Supt. Asare:  Hon. Chair he was informing me of something and I responded okay.

Eric Opoku: And I am asking the meaning of okay!

Speaker: The meaning of Okay?

Eric Opoku: Yes. Approved that you should go spiritual way and you said okay, approved?

Supt. Asare:  Hon. Chair like I said that spiritual matter, it was in two ways – either Christianity or other faiths but he insisted, please Hon. Chair, he insisted that he has some Mallams, as I used those words interchangeably or Imams, yes.  

Eric Opoku: Okay. Then the same page the last one. “Alhaji but there are certain things I cannot use my own to do it, you understand me. So, I…yes, you are working but you should not sit down and say you are working. This kind of job like the President, IGP, Chief of Defence Staff, Army Commander; these are the people controlling most money in the country affairs. And they need spiritually because if they are going to do this thing, I and you will not be there.” And then you remarked: “You and I were not there.” Then you burst into laughter. Is it your statement, you and I were not there?

Supt. Asare: That is correct.

Eric Opoku: Mr. chairman, this is my last question. Page 25, “Alhaji, I thought by now you would have come back to me so that it will help me. Yes, people like m and you said okay.” What is the meaning of that?

Supt. Asare:  Hon. Chair, this okay attributed to me, I don’t understand it but erh…if I should try. I don’t understand it.

Eric Opoku: I’m done.

Atta Akyea: Your colleague is not satisfied so he is requested to ask you one question. Then madam, would you want to have your turn? Okay then we will come to madam because I want to give virtually the last place to vice. I don’t have many questions, because I started the introduction. So please you have the floor.

Peter Toobu: Thank you chairman, we are trying to assist the public. Supt Asare, if I may be allowed to put it this way, you and your brother, your boss, your preferred candidate for IGP, Commissioner George Mensah, painted a picture that the current Inspector General of Police is not managing the police service well, is that right?

Supt. Asare: No hon. Chair

Peter Toobu: I thought you said if they changed him and put your boss there you will be very happy, am I wrong?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair I have never made this statement here. Change, I have never used the word change today here in the Office of Parliament. Change, no!

Peter Toobu: Okay. But if they appointed Commissioner Mensah, automatically they can’t have two IGPs, the current one will be gone, and you will be very happy. Is that right?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair because he Chief Bugri Naabu said the current IGP was going to be changed so it did not come from any of us.

Peter Toobu: Can I just read C.I.76 regulation 6 (1) and 6(3) just for the edification of the public and your comment will be required. Regulation 6(1): The Inspector General of Police is the head of the Service and subject to the provisions of Article 202 of the Constitution and to the control and direction of the Council is responsible for the operational control and the administration of the Ghana Police Service.” I just want you to take note of control and direction of the Council I’m talking about is the Police Council.

Regulation 6(3) says: “The Inspector General of Police shall be assisted by the Deputy Assistant of Police,” so here we have the Inspector of General of Police in the maiden, below him is the Deputy Inspector of Police who is supposed to assist him, above him is the Police Council. So, when you impinge non-performance on the IGP by extension is an indictment on the police council and the lack of Deputy Inspector of Police. Your comment on this, your personal comment on this you are a police officer?

Supt Asare: Hon Chair, I’m surprised to hear this from my brother Hon. Toobu, I have never made that statement here. And in the tape, I never made that comment or statement in it. So, I’m surprised to hear this that I’m impugning somebody’s performance. No. if you can play that side for me to hear. Impugning somebody’s performance, no. I never made that statement.

Peter Toobu: Supt Asare I only asked for your comments vis-à-vis what the law says. The law says above the IGP, there is a Police Council, below the IGP directly is the Deputy Inspector of Police who is supposed to provide him with assistance. The IGP doesn’t have a deputy but the IGP has a Police Council. Should anybody impugn integrity or the performance or capacity of the IGP do you think that it will also be an indictment on the supervisor that is to say the Police Council. I just asked for your honest comment. I didn’t say you said that?

Supt Asare: No.

Atta Akyea: So, let me yield to the Member of Parliament who is a female and also a former Police officer. So okay right now how many Police officers, I mean have joined us as Members of Parliament, only two here? Okay. So, I think erh…you gonna hear a voice, which is not of a male. So, you know how to answer questions.

Ophelia Mensah: Thank you Hon Chair. Good afternoon and sorry for coming in late because I had to travel and also I missed my flight as well. So, Commissioner, I have few questions to ask.

Supt Asare: Thank you for promoting me to Commissioner, I appreciate. Haha!

Ophelia Mensah: Sorry Supt. Asare. I want to delve into the conspiracy to remove the IGP and so I have few things for you to affirm or deny. Is Bugri Naabu, Chief Bugri Naabu, a friend of yours?

Supt Asare: No. Hon. Chair

Ophelia Mensah: From the evidence given earlier from Chief Bugri Naabu, you initiated the meeting because you came to him and then introduced Commissioner Mensah to him, as someone fit to become an IGP. Is that so?

Supt Asare: That is not so. Hon. Chair in his statement, he told the Committee that before he met the two of us at his office he had already met Commissioner to the extent that his CV was even given to him. Thus, Commissioner’s CV was given to him.

Ophelia Mensah: Very well. On that said date, per Chief’s evidence you were supposed to meet around 4pm and the message was conveyed through you to the others but unfortunately, you were the last to come for that meeting, is it true?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair it is true that I was last to go to his office but em…it wasn’t others. The people that met to have that conversation in Alhaji’s office were three; myself, Commissioner and Chief Bugri Naabu. We were only three. But I was the last to go there because at a point I wasn’t getting the import why so many calls? I didn’t know that there was a danger awaiting me. My instincts were telling me not to go. Had it not been that Commissioner called me finally, I wouldn’t have gone. Because why I don’t need anything from you. What is it so special about this invitation. Calling me 12 time conservatively in a space of three hours what at all was his intention? I didn’t know.

Ophelia Mensah: Superintendent, you had earlier on agreed with these two people to have a meeting and we all or you all agreed that we will be meeting at 4pm. So, what is it that later you decided not to turn up on time. That is what I wanted to know?

Supt Asare: Mr. Chair, that wasn’t an agreement. It wasn’t an agreement that I want to see you, come. I don’t see that as an agreement. And as I indicated I was late my instincts were telling me not to go because the calls were too many. 12 calls 

Ophelia Mensah: Did Alhaji call you after the tape has been leaked?

Supt. Asare: That is correct, hon chair

Ophelia Mensah: And what was his words can you tell the committee?

Supt. Asare: Hon Chair after the tape had leaked, I didn’t know a friend of mine called me, I have been hearing your voice on air why have you had a meeting with somebody that has come out in the public domain. So, I asked that the person sends me a copy of it, he sent it to me and I listened and it was my voice. Then I realised eii! Alhaji was that the reason why he was calling me left, center, right like that? Later Alhaji called. He called me Asante I thought he was confusing my name Asare for Asante so I didn’t ask any question. Ah! Why have you given the thing out they are playing, discussing the tape. Why did you do that and then I just hanged up.

Patrick Boamah: You said he referred to you as Asante?

Supt. Asare: Asante

Patrick Boamah: Asante

Supt. Asare: Asante not Asare.

Patrick Boamah: Alright. Okay. You proceed.

Supt. Asare: Asante so in fact because someone has earlier called to tell me this is what has happened. In fact, I wasn’t happy. Why do you do this to me and later turn round and come and ask me Asante. Why have you done this? What is the meaning of all these?

Atta Akyea: So, by your reckoning Chief Bugri Naabu called the wrong person. Can you deduce that?

Supt Asare: That it is. That is correct

James Agalga: Supt Asare Bugri Naabu is one record as having said that when he called you, you actually threatened him. Did you do that?

Supt Asare: I have listened carefully to the tape threw times. The one that was played when Chief Bugri Naabu appeared before you and the two times the tape was played. I listened carefully to it. Bugri Naabu didn’t say that when he called me, I threatened him. What he did states was that when he called, I just handed up the phone and then later on his son, maybe you can play it again can you will hear this one. His son came to tell him that I have threatened him that he will see that he is trying the suggest that I threatened him through his son, Prophet Emmanuel Tey Bugri Naabu. I know him directly that is not what he said.

James Agalga: But did you have any discussions with Prophet Bugri Naabu after the audio has leaked?

Supt Asare: Of course, yes Hon. Chair.

James Agalga: What did you tell Prophet Bugri Naabu after the tape had leaked?

Supt Asare: It could be either I called him or he called me, asking me about what has happened and then he started… initially he knew or he thought…let me choose my words carefully it was his father that leaked the tape, that recorded us and leaked the tape. So, when he called, he condemned his father for that singular act of his. That you invite people to your office, you will record them and then put it out into the public domain but later upon further inquiries, remember I’m a police man for investigations I’m very smart at that but that side when we meet in camera, we will know who did the recording, who were sent by who and on what promise to who. You will get it when we meet in camera and you will see that this inquiry that has been set up it would either be a causing financial loss to the state by somebody.

Atta Akyea: Yes, my good brother, why were you trying to tell the committee that you were a good investigator?

Supt Asare: I’m sorry. Apologies

Atta Akyea: Yes, because you can set your own exams and then when you finish marking you want to yourself a grade. Yeah. Well, I’m only poking fun but let my sister finish then you will conclude.

Ophelia Mensah: Superintendent, chief Bugri Naabu informed this committee that wasn’t the full tape, you are also alluding to the fact that the tape is doctored. Why do you think somebody will doctor that rape and if so, who would you think would have done this?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair, these are some of the matters that I have promised the committee that I want to do it in camera because it concerns national security. It is a serious matter. I want to do it in camera.

Ophelia Mensah: My last question. Let me take you to page 76 of the transcript. I think our last sitting Mr Mensah said: “Mr. Chairman intel suggest that what was used to tape the conversation was done by the current IGP. He sent some people to do it after which he went for it. So, the tape from the intel, the tape from my intel is with the IGP and he caused it to be leaked. So, if this committee wants the tape the right person to call is bla, bla…is the IGP. And then I want to know why do you think Commissioner Mensah will make such as a statement?

Supt Asare: Hon chair, with your indulgence, I also have the same intel 

Ophelia Mensah: That?

Supt Asare: I also have the same intel eeer…(speaking under tone to his lawyer, I should mention his name?)… I also have the same intel that hmm…that the IGP agreed with Bugri Naabu after Bugri Naabu had gone to inform the IGP that somebody wants your post oo he has come to me, to the extent that the CV that was collected from the Commissioner and sent to Bugri Naabu by those boys. They are two. They are prepared to come here and testify. They are two. They collected it sent it to Bugri Naabu. Bugri Naabu gave the CV, the CV that was intended for the appointing authority he gave it to the IGP. I will be happy that I say more when I’m in camera because it is not a healthy development at all. 

Patrick Boamah: Chairman including the two boys.

Supt Asare: Two boys. If you could remember when Alhaji called me he knows my name, I’m Asare but God works under mysterious circumstances. I don’t know what moved Bugri Naabu into calling me Asante. And this Asante per our intel is a Corporal or Sergeant that has been promoted to go to Police College to become an ASP. And this same ASP it was Commissioner George Alex Mensah that made him go to the Peacekeeping Mission. Master let me say this in camera. 

Ophelia Mensah: I don’t know whether I should put my last question because of the answer you just gave. But let me just play the devil’s advocate. If someone said that day you were late because you knew that conversation was going to be recorded, what would be your answer to that person?

Supt Asare: The person may be was joking, it is not true. How can that be? How can I record myself and put it out in the public domain, I can’t do that?

Ophelia Mensah: Chairman, I think I’m done.

Atta Akyea: I’m grateful to you honourable member. Now let’s go to the Vice Chairman who has whispered to me privately that he will not write an encyclopedia.

James Agalga: No. Chairman I don’t have too many questions to ask because emm… Supt Asare has given indication that he would want to speak to certain important matters in camera. Most of my questions would have elicited from him answers he has already indicated he would want to respond to in camera. So, I would oblige him that. But just to seek clarification on few issues and then I yield to you Chairman

Atta Akyea: Okay.

James Agalga: Supt Asare

Supt Asare: Mr Chair.

James Agalga: Let me take you straight page 22, where you spoke Twi and described someone as Area Mama. “Sɛ wo nim Area Mama” There is a coded name

Counsel: Mr. Chair the page again?

James Agalga: Page 23, it is of exhibit 21. The first paragraph. You described someone as Area Mama. ” Sɛ wo nim Area Mama” I mean Area Mama is a coded name. Who is Area Mama?

Supt Asare: That is the name we all know 

James Agalga: You don’t know the real name of Area Mama

Supt Asare: Not at all Honourable Chair.

James Agalga: But where does she work?

Supt Asare: To be honest where she works, I cannot tell but what I know is she lives in Weija area and she is an Assembly woman whatever.

James Agalga: Now you made a very emphatic statement in one of your answers to either Peter or…Hon Peter or Eric that before you signed off you say something before this Committee, what is that?

Supt Asare: The entire proceedings has come to an end. Both in camera and public hearings.

James Agalga: So, you intend that the sign of here should happen in camera?

Supt Asare: No…no

James Agalga: The statement you made when you are signing off?

Supt Asare: Signing off 

James Agalga: Yes

Supt Asare: That when we are done. When the whole proceedings have come to an end. 

James Agalga: What proceedings

Supt Asare: I’m talking about my appearance before you.

Atta Akyea: You mean today?

Supt. Asare: No today and in camera. 

Atta Akyea: Ah okay. Hmm.

James Agalga: Supt Asare you earlier stated that you were not going to…in fact you expressed regrets for making the statement to the effect that Bediatuo does not tell the President what is going on. You expressed regrets for that. Now let me take you to page 23, where the same Bediatuo featured in a comment you made. “Bediatuo and the man are like this. Dampare” When you say Bediatuo and the man are like this, Dampare, you want explain what that means? Page 23

Supt Asare: Hon chair, if you could remember, I want to cast your mind back that the tape itself is not correct because what is written here it does even make sense to me. 

Atta Akyea: Senior, don’t say that the tape itself is not correct

Supt. Asare: Sorry, for want of a better word

Atta Akyea: Part of the tape from your perspective is not correct. You get the point because you said, there have been edited and you have also admitted your voice. Yeah

Supt Asare: You are right honourable chair.

James Agalga: But…

Supt Asare: But in my answer to deputy chair’s question, the statement is even incomplete. The statement is incomplete. So, it will be different for me to make meaning out of it. You know in a conversation so many things happen. You can even make a statement; something will come in and you will even forget what intended to say. So sorry for that I can’t tell exactly what I meant to say per what is contained here.

James Agalga: But Supt Asare, you keep saying that ee…em the tape was doctored. Would you be kind enough to indicate which part of the tape you believe doctored for the purposes of the committee. Because you know one of our tasks is to authenticate the audio so if there are aspects that you believe are doctored you need to point out so that we take note.

Atta Akyea: Yes, regarding this exercise. Hold on sir, regarding the exercise of pinpointing which aspects of the tape is doctored and which are not you need to go and do it and submit it to us. I know it is going to take us a very long time. So, take your time, you have the benefit of lawyers, and then you mark from your perspective where you think it is not valid and where you think is valid and correct and then when we bring you back which certainly, we are going to bring you back. You will give it to us. So, for now I don’t believe that it is a very good time to go through this laborious exercise and I’m not going adjourn like we did before you to do the comparison. First of all, you have the benefit of the audio and you have the benefit of the verbatim reporting. And we will give you space outside the proceedings to take your time and do it and when we next call you, you will bring it to us. You will tender it. Is that okay with you?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair ee… I agree that initially I told you the voice in the tape is mine. But there has been some cuts and pieces put together

Atta Akyea: That is what you are going to do.

Supt Asare: But it will be difficult because it is just conservation that we had

Atta Akyea: It won’t be difficult

Supt. Asare: Especially this particular one. It is an incomplete statement.

Atta Akyea: Senior listen to me. Take your time. You see I’m saying that because of challenges of memory we will give you the space take the audio, take the verbatim the reporting, the transcript you have here and then do a juxtaposition. You will know and then mark it for our benefit that all. You have the benefit of two lawyers to help you.

Counsel: Hon. Chair I think at the last date when COP was given the same opportunity, we joined his legal team to do that piece of exercise. I think it is just one area that he complained off and I’m of the view that if he be given opportunity, he would be able to explain that particular portion to the chair so that we don’t waste 

James Agalga: You see the last time we did the juxtaposition, I know you asked for permission to join them and when you returned, when we resumed from break it was COP Alex Mensah who gave indication as to which portions of the transcript and the audio did not match. So, it was his markings that this committee took note of and duly admitted the exhibit and labeled same as Exhibit 1. You see. So, my question is do you also, counsel I need your attention here, do you also want to go along with the indication COP Alex Mensah gave this committee with regards to the portions he marked as not matching well with the audio?

Counsel: What the witness is saying is that there is just one portion of the transcript that he has issues with and that is what he intends to draw the committee’s attention to. 

Atta Akyea: But do you identify with the distinctions that were made by the Commissioner of Police Mensah. You said when it was not your turn, you took advantage of the winnowing if you like and you were part of it together with the lawyers. So would you want to identify with Exhibit 1, which COP Mensah was so clear in his mind that he has validated some and some he doesn’t agree. Do you want to do that and then comment on that small bit of Exhibit one is that what you want to do?

Counsel: Most of the areas COP identified were times that he was not present during the meeting so he won’t be able to talk about those areas.

Atta Akyea: So, you won’t be able to identify with what COP raised?

Counsel: That is so. 

Atta Akyea: But in respect of Exhibit 1, there is an area which you want to comment upon. How long are you going to comment?

Counsel: Hon. Chair I think it is going to be very briefly. 

Atta Akyea: Alright so let listen to you. Show as what page do you have in mind?

Counsel: I believe page 24. After the first one is hmm then Alhaji says he will come back before June. Yes, accord to the witness the meeting the meeting was held on the 19th of June and for Alhaji to indicate here that someone was coming back before June it presupposes that this area meant that the meeting was held before June. This position as captured in the transcript suggests that it was in relation to a different meeting apart from the one he confirms he had with Alhaji and COP Mensah. 

James Agalga: Yes, so you earlier stated that you were once commander, district commander of East Legon at the time the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election was conducted. Now after serving as Commander of that particular district where were you posted to?

Supt Asare: Hon chair from East Legon I was posted to Achimota Mile 7 District.

James Agalga: As Commander?

Supt Asare: That is correct honourable chair.

James Agalga: How long you spend at Mile 7 as a commander?

Supt Asare: Hon chair it will be difficult to give the correct date or period.

James Agalga: One years, two years?

Supt Asare: Roughly one year. Let me put it that way

James Agalga: Right. So, was it from Mile 7, you now proceeded to the Headquarters?

Supt Asare: That is correct hon. Chair.

James Agalga: You are with the protocol outfit at the Headquarters is that correct?

Supt Asare: That is correct hon. Chair

James Agalga: Do you have problems with that?

Supt Asare: Honourable no, far from that. I don’t have problem. I don’t have authority over transfers 

James Agalga: So, you are happy as a protocol officer with the police service?

Supt Asare: Happy as in terms of what?

James Agalga: Your job

Supt Asare: Hon chair, that is correct. I’m happy, I’m working so. Some people don’t have job. I’m working they have sent me to a place, why not? I’m happy.

James Agalga: Chairman I will yield. Thank you

Atta Akyea: …the full implications of perjury?

Supt Asare: That is correct hon chair.

Atta Akyea: Very good. Now, let me find out from you did you ever the Nation Investigation Bureau in relation to this same matter?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair that is correct

Atta Akyea:  hmm…

Supt Asare: Can I continue honourable chair?

Atta Akyea: You can

Supt Asare: Yes, after the leakage of I call it the so-called leaked tape I was invited by the National Investigation Bureau and I went. So, when I want there, they interrogated me as regard who did the recording, number 1. Number 2 who leaked it and I told them my side of the story that I don’t know anything about it. And there an ASP at the Police Headquarters at the P… unit by name ASP Kenneth Asante Antwi, the BNI officers asked me what is the relationship between the two of us? And I told him I don’t even know him. I am hearing the name for the first time. It was later that I saw the guy and I said oh was this not this guy that was in Accra region audit room? I don’t know him. I don’t know him but em Commissioner got there; I went there. But per what I gathered from there, after the leakage Bugri Naabu Special Assistant by name SK was picked up that morning by NIB officers and then the secretary was also picked and eventually Bugri Naabu was also invited to the place. These people per my reliable information apart from Alhaji Bugri Naabu who went there and lied as usual. Oh, he has lied on several occasions, I have Alhaji Bugri Naabu on tape everything he came to say here on video in his office the same office his relationship with IGP and contracts – 40,000 boot contracts.

Atta Akyea: My brother you were very good that you will speak in camera. Have you forgotten yourself?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair I’m sorry

Atta Akyea: Alright, on this note, I think it is very opportune that a lot of things will happen in-camera, and in good time we will call you and all those who matter to do the business in camera. And if I have the permission of members, I want to release the witness, and then we will have an in-house meeting. And then later on we inform the general public and the press our next adjourn date.

RECAP

Patrick Boamah: You have a lot respect for him

Supt. Asare: That is correct, Hon. Chair.

Patrick Boamah: And he appeared here and said that the police administration is not being managed properly by the current IGP. What do you, what do you have to say to that?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., as humble and obedient servant as I am, who am I, to sit in public and comment about the performance of my IGP or the police administration? I can never pass comment in public like that

Atta Akyea: Excuse me. But would you be able to be honest professionally, and comment on the performance of the IGP and the police service in camera?

Supt. Asare: Exactly so

How Supt. George Asare was probed over the leaked IGP audio

CONTINUATION:

Patrick Boamah: Well, so if you can comment in camera, then it’s a good idea. We would want to hear you on that. So, is it not the case that there are about 19 officers at the inspection unit of the service instead of four as alluded to by Commissioner Mensah?

Supt. Asare: Mr. Chair., in as far as I’m concerned, that statement made by my commissioner, was a statement of fact.

Patrick Boamah: It was a statement of fact?

Supt. Asare: Yes Mr. Chair

Patrick Boamah: Is it the case that there are some officers due for promotion that, believe that their promotions are being syphoned by the IGP?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair., not quiet ago, not quiet long ago, I drew your attention to the fact that, there are some comments that can be passed in camera, and there some others, that can be passed in public. Any attempt to make any statement in public that will seek to downgrade the very service in which I find myself, I’ll be doing in public, I’ll be doing myself more harm than good.

Atta Akyea: So why didn’t you tell the Hon. Member that lead me not into temptation (all laughs) eehh you should’ve just told him and then you…

James Agalga: I think Hon. Chairman, for the sake of consistency, you know the other day, I had tried to ask a number of questions bothering on similar issues, but I thought the consensus built was that some of those things be dealt with in camera, so I think we‘ll have to be consistent here and oblige the witness opportunity to make some of those disclosures in camera.

Atta Akyea: Thank you Vice Chair. Hon. Boamah please continue

Patrick Boamah: Mr. Chairman I have two, just two questions, so the decision is that, the question of the performance of the IGP and promotions in camera. Thank you. Were you in Kumawu for the by-election please?

Supt. Asare: No Mr. Chair.

Patrick Boamah: Assin North?

Supt. Asare: No Mr. Chair.

Patrick Boamah: That’s about all Chairman. Thank you

Atta Akyea: The Honourable member and my brother who has a lot of understanding in agricultural matters (all laughs). I don’t know, I don’t know if you’ve been pencilled as the minister for Agric designate.

James Agalga: I think eh, let me ask Chairman a question. Is that an admission that the break the eight mantra will fail? Hahaha

Atta Akyea: I have to overrule this (all laugh), please proceed

Eric Opoku: Thank you very much Mr. Chairman, eh once you people break at eight, we’ll continue. Mr. Chairman, my first question to Commander Asare, is that eh, your narrative before this committee this morning is gripping but incomplete. You indicated to the committee that, Chief Naabu asked you of your opinion about the performance of the IGP, and to quote you, you said, “and I told him,” Is that opinion captured in the audio before the committee?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., in my earlier statement to the committee, it was clear that the tape is incomplete, incomplete. Whoever masterminded that tape, which of course you’ll get to know by the close of day. If not today, maybe I don’t know when the in camera will take place, but before I sign out, you’ll understand everything. I, I’ll end it here.

Eric Opoku: Supt. Asare

Supt. Asare: Yes, Hon Chair.

Eric Opoku: I think I asked a very simple question. You have indicated to this committee that Chief Naabu asked you about your opinion on the performance of the current IGP, and you said you told him of your opinion, and I’m asking whether that opinion you expressed is captured in the audio before us or not?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair., this additional information as regards the tape that has been played here in about three consecutive occasions, there was nowhere in the tape that this statement was made, and you can allude to that fact. It is a fact! I gave it as an additional information, which was not captured in the tape, just to make a point that the tape is doctored.

Eric Opoku: So, you think that when the original tape is found, your opinion relative to the performance of IGP will be heard, in the audio?

Supt. Asare: For now I don’t know Mr. Chair.

Eric Opoku: An opinion about the performance of the IGP to Chief Naabu, you did?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair, that meeting was private and confidential, and in confidential matters or private matters, let me tell you honourable Chair, supposing every conversation that people have in privacy comes to public domain, I tell you, in a matter of hours, society will come to a halt. If you hear what people talk about you in privacy, you’ll never come to Parliament again. I’m being honest with you. In privacy, so many things happen.

Atta Akyea: Superintendent, you’re preaching to the converted, and you shouldn’t be doing this pontification at all. We’re aware, we’re aware of what happens in private. But he’s asking a very simple question. He’s asking that, you have said on oath that the tape is doctored, and that you expressed an opinion about the performance of the IGP, is it true or false? That’s all he wants to know. That you ever expressed an opinion about the performance of the IGP?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair. That is true

Eric Opoku: That it’s true that you expressed your opinion about the performance of the IGP to Chief Naabu, is that what you’re saying?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair., that opinion was in response to a question posed to me during the meeting by honourable, by Chief Bugri Naabu.

Atta Akyea: So, the answer is yes

Supt. Asare: Yes

Atta Akyea: So sometimes say yes and don’t add more

Supt. Asare: Yes please

Eric Opoku: And you say to this committee that you cannot repeat the same opinion here because of the cameras, is that what you’re telling us?

Supt. Asare: Exactly so

Eric Opoku: And so, the assurance is that, if you’re given the opportunity, you’ll do so in camera?

Supt. Asare: That’s correct Honourable Chair.

Peter Toobu: Superintendent Asare, I don’t know why you struggle to simplify matters. Is it wrong for a police officer to express an opinion about the performance of his boss or her boss? Is it wrong? Why are you struggling to answer the question?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair. not in public. You can, but in privacy you can, but not in public, you cannot

Eric Opoku: Hon Peter Toobu asked you a question about area mama. There’s a statement in the audio that is attributed to you. The statement says that, I will like to quote from page 23, speaker 3, the first one, speaker 3, “Nnɛ me ne Nana Addo wofase. Sɛ wo nim area mama? Ↄsɛ now everybody has put a blame on Bediatuo to wit, today, I was with Nana Addo’s niece, you know area Mama, she says everybody has put the blame on Bediatuo. This is a statement captured in the audio as having been made by you. And when Honourable Toobu asked you about Area Mama, your answer was that it was a private conversation, and therefore you wouldn’t want to make a comment on it. Is this, do you confirm that this is a statement that you made?

Supt. Asare: Yes, Honourable Chair.

Eric Opoku: But you cannot disclose the details to this committee because of the cameras, is that the case?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair. I’ve not said so

Eric Opoku: Okay. Area Mama told you that everybody is imputing the blame on Mr. Bediatuo, is that correct?

Supt. Asare: That’s not correct Honourable Chair.

Eric Opoku: But you earlier on admitted that you made the statement, and that’s what the statement says

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair. Yes, indeed I admitted, but it was a hearsay

Eric Opoku: Hearsay from where?

Supt. Asare: Eavesdropping, I was somewhere, people were having their conversation and I also heard it

Eric Opoku: Commander Asare, I read this statement being attributed to you, to you, and you said yes, it is your statement. Ant that statement says, Nnɛ me ne Nana Addo wofase. Sɛ wo nim area mama? Ↄsɛ now everybody has put a blame on Bediatuo to wit, today I was with Nana Addo’s niece, you know area Mama, she said everybody has put the blame on Bedietuo. So, you are rather telling Bugri Naabu, Chief Naabu and the COP Mensah of what Area Mama told you. And so why are you talking about hearsay. Because you were reporting a statement having been made to you by Area Mama.

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair., I do not want to go into the details of this matter, because it was a private conversation, it wasn’t meant for public consumption.

Eric Opoku: Commander, I think earlier on, I asked you this question, and you said no, you said no. I asked you whether you said you didn’t want to discuss the details here because of the cameras, you said no. Do you want to change that answer?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair I don’t remember making that statement, I don’t remember, you can take me back well.

Atta Akyea: You said that you know. Senior, you should take it easy, ahaa, you should take it easy. Do not confuse an otherwise very good thing you’ve started. You’ve told this committee, I’ve been listening to you critically you know, your, your counsel is here too, and I’m always looking into the eye of your counsel, that there are certain things about the IGP and the police service that you cannot say on camera. But when we have an in-camera hearing, you’ll be able to say it. Do you want to change this narrative?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair. I still stand by that narrative.

Atta Akyea:  That’s all, that is where he’s taking you, you can’t see? Yeah

Eric Opoku: So, you said it was a hearsay, and then you eavesdropped. What exactly do you want to tell us relative to this particular statement? What is the hearsay about this?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair., just as I did indicate earlier, that granted the opportunity to speak to this matter, in camera, I’m more than prepared to do so.

Eric Opoku: I just want to look at this matter of hearsay, because I drew your attention to an emphatic statement that you have made, and then under oath you have admitted that indeed you made the statement. And then when I asked you further questions relative to the same statement, you said oh it’s a hearsay, and I wanted the committee to be very clear in our mind. When you talk about hearsay relative to this, what do you mean?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair, I want to remain on my stand that granted the opportunity to speak to this issue in camera, I’m ever prepared to do that.

Eric Opoku: Would you want to withdraw that hearsay statement. Would you want that to be withdrawn or expunged from the records, because you have earlier on accepted the statement as your own statement, an? so there shouldn’t be anything like hearsay relative to this. Do you want that to be expunged from the records?

Supt. Asare: Yes, Honourable Chair.

Atta Akyea: Okay so, the part of the proceedings in which the witness said the matters concerning Area Mama and Bedietuo is hearsay, and what other word was used? A hearsay and what? Eavesdropped, are hereby expunged it from the records.

Eric Opoku: Thank you very much Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman these statements or particularly this statement is already in the public domain because of the audio, and everywhere in this country and across the boundaries of our country, everybody now knows that this is a statement that emanated from you. So I was of the view that, looking at the way you have been explaining matters before this committee, you do yourself some good by getting the public to know what exactly transpired relative to this statement. But if you prefer in camera, we’ll take it like that and then proceed. Then just beneath this one, there is another statement, Bedietuo and the man are like this, Dampare, he has been the course of all the problems. So, Alhaji today, I want to hear something good. Commissioner is here, and he’s the one. As I have already told you, every policeman… and then it ended. This is also captured in the audio as your own statement. Do you also confirm before this committee that this is your statement?

Supt. Asare: Honourable Chair., with the greatest of respect, I want to be silent on this issue.

Atta Akyea: That’s not what he is saying. Supt Asare, oh please confer first, so let the record reflect that Supt. Asare is conferring his counsel.

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair, we are done.

Atta Akyea: Supt. Please, with the greatest of respect what he is doing with you if you are not careful, I am a chairman I don’t have to say it – the consequence of what you are attempting to do. He is merely bringing to the fore what is on the table, that’s all he’s doing. So, if you confirm what is on the tape say so, say yes, I confirm what is on the tape. But to dilate on it I might want to do it in-camera, simple. But immediately you distance yourself from what is on the tape, so please the difference is very thin but be careful. Be very, very careful. So honourable I crave your indulgences if you can ask him the question again to refresh his memory. And Supt. Asare do you want to drink some water? You see if you are challenged, we can excuse you but if you want to drink some water it helps you know.

Supt. Asare: Mr. Chair I’m okay.

Atta Akyea: You are okay

Eric Opoku: Thank you very much Mr. Chairman so commander Asare the question was a simple one, a very harmless question that on page 23, just beneath the first statement that we just talked about. There is another statement that reads, Bediatuo and the man are like this, Dampare, he has been the cause of all these problems so Alhaji today I want to hear something good. Commissioner is here and he is the one as I have already told you, every policeman….and then it ended. And I asked, do you confer that this is your statement?

Supt. Asare: Exactly so hon. Chair.

Eric Opoku: So, when you say he has been the cause of all these problems, what specific problems were you talking about?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair I’m not ready to talk about this matter. I want to reserve my right to remain silent on it.

Eric Opoku: Commander Asare I known as a trained police officer you have investigated into several matters and you are trained on how to conduct investigations and get the relevant information to proceed with whatever you want to do. I hope you do not intend to hide any relevant information that you know from this committee, is that correct?

Supt Asare: That is correct hon. Chair.

Eric Opoku: And so, when you indicate that somebody is the cause of all the problems, the name of the person is mention. In fact, Bediatuo is a very prominent person in the current government and so if he is the cause of all these problems. Do you think that it will not be relevant for us to know the problem that you are talking about?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair I insist on my earlier response.

Atta Akyea: Superintendent

Supt. Asare: Mr. Chair

Atta Akyea: He asked you a very simple question that if you don’t intend to conceal material evidence from these committee, and you said yes. To follow up then what you want to remain silent about will you be good to divulge in full and in honesty in-camera?

Supt Asare:  Hon. Chair, with your indulgence it was a rumor I picked and I spoke to Alhaji about it.

Atta Akyea: Senior Police Officer, you are very confident to peddle rumors. Oh, hmmm

Supt Asare: Hon Chair

Atta Akyea: Yes

Supt. Asare: This was a private conversation

Atta Akyea: It doesn’t matter. You see I’ve never met you that we had a private conversation but I’ll feel very offended that at your level of experience or intelligence you will be peddling rumors to me. We should be above rumors, with some substance and truth. That’s what you should be doing, the state depends on you so we can go to bed. Imagine your intelligence on the way we should run the system is on rumors is fatal to our security or you don’t know? Why are you saying these things? Do you want us to give you a break? We are not in a hurry. You matter to us. Do you need a break?

Supt Asare: Not now hon. Chair, lets proceed.

Atta Akyea: Sorry. You want to proceed?

Supt. Asare: Yeah

Atta Akyea: Okay.

Eric Opoku: So, the rumor was that Mr. Bediatuo was the cause of all the problems. Is that the rumor you were talking about?

Supt. Asare: That is correct hon. Chair.

Eric Opoku: And because it was a rumor you didn’t even bother to know the problems is that not the case or you know the problems?

Supt. Asare: Hon chair, the rumors I have made my position clear especially when you asked about the performance of the IGP I told you in-camera the statement I made I will make it known to you. But if it’s about the rumor then it will be a most laborious task. We hear rumors everyday so if you make it a duty to investigate every rumor then you’ll be in trouble.

Eric Opoku: What about if you make it a duty to spread rumors?

James Agalga: Supt. when you heard the rumor, did you do any verification; did you take pains to confirm what you heard?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair it was a social discussion so I didn’t bother to check.

James Agalga: Do you regret peddling the rumor in question given that you didn’t do any verification but you put it out there to the hearing of Chief Bugri Naabu?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair, on hind sight yes, because I didn’t know that they were going to make it public.

Eric Opoku: Commander Asare, you gave a very insightful explanation about lobbying and looking at the engagement clearly, you were lobbying Chief Naabu. You wanted Chief Naabu to work towards getting COP Mensah I mean appointed as IGP. Is that not correct?

Supt. Asare: Mr. Chair, far from that. That is not correct. It was Chief Bugri Naabu that invited me to his office and the records are there.

Atta Akyea: That is the first answer, you’ve not answered the second. Were you lobbying or not? oh.

Supt Asare: Hon Chair. That was why I said far from that I wasn’t lobbying for anybody.

Atta Akyea: You should say so

Eric Opoku: So, when you said I want to hear something good; what was this something you were expecting?

Supt Asare: Hon chair it is because he said that the commissioner that is admirable to almost all the police men well respectable granted the opportunity to be the head of the Ghana Police Service, policemen will go gay. So basically, that was the feeling I expressed and it wasn’t because of lobbying.

Eric Opoku: And so, you wanted, as you have already alluded to, COP Mensah to become the IGP and that is what you were talking about just now is that not it?

Supt Asare: Hon chair, granted that he is given the nod I will be happy. And it is worthy of note that every policeman my good brother and mate now hon Peter, every politician’s dream is that one day he will be a minister or a president.

Atta Akyea: You are mistaking, why are these things? You are mistaking.

Supt Asare: And the police service, police constable that joined the service today, his or her dream is that one day one day he will be the IGP. So, if a whole commissioner who joined the police as a chartered accountant, now he is a commissioner becomes the IGP why not? He will be happy and some of us who have worked under him and know his capabilities will also be happy.

Peter Toobu: Chairman permission to just help my brother. You know this is a public hearing, whatever you say here the public is listening. Commissioner Mensah didn’t join the police as a Chartered Accountant that correction ought to be made. The current IGP became a Chartered Accountant before Commissioner Mensah and that is how come he became Superintendent before Commissioner Mensah just for the record, thank you.

Supt Asare: Well noted hon. Chair.

Eric Opoku: And so when you said I wanted to hear something good, that good was COP Mensah becoming the IGP, is that not correct?

Supt Asare: Yes hon. Chair.

Eric Opoku: And then on page 24 you indicated hmm so I should go and look for my white dress? So when you had the assurance you wanted to be sure so that you go and prepare your white dress for the celebration. Is that not correct?

Supt Asare: Yes, hon chair. Black men, when we hear good news, you will be in your white apparel.

Eric Opoku: And the good news is that the current IGP is removed and COP Mensah installed. Is that correct?

Supt. Asare: The white apparel matter I alluded to, it was made out of the statement or in response to the statement made by Chief Bugri Naabu. But removal and appointment you and I do not have any right to do it. It is the sole prerogative of the president.

Eric Opoku: So, you claim that the white dress comment was in response to a statement made by Chief Naabu. What was that statement?

Supt Asare: The statement you just made. You just made a statement. Hon. Chair I can’t repeat anything you say here verbatim like your verbatim transcription of the audio tape, I cannot do that.

Eric Opoku: What I said was that you made your white dress comment after Chief Naabu assurance that the current IGP will be removed and your favorite, your brother your boss COP Mensah will not be removed. Is that not correct?

Supt. Asare: That’s correct Hon chair

Eric Opoku: And so, were you not lobbying?

Supt Asare: Unless I am been given a different definition of lobbying, I wouldn’t take that as lobbying.

Atta Akyea: Were you lobbying or you were praying? Which is which? Tell the Committee. Were you lobbying or you were praying that your friend becomes the IGP or hoping?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair I was given a information and I was happy. I was just asked to make a recommendation to somebody and I did that and the person is saying what he told me it is going to be done and I was happy.

Eric Opoku: Who sent Commissioner Mensah’s CV to Chief Naabu?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair I don’t know. As commissioner himself rightly said that before he went there with me, some people had already taken him to see Chief so I would not know.

Eric Opoku: Did you play any role in Ayawaso by-election?

Supt Asare: Of course, yes

Eric Opoku: What specific role did you play?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election within the constituency I was the District Commander for East Legon. Ayawaso West Constituency has 11 electoral areas and I think about two or three Bawaleshie, East Legon, and Christian Centre electoral areas fell within the East Legon district out of the 11 electoral areas. The deployments and everything were done by the Regional Command so they decide who should be part of the deployment and who should not be part. So, in their wisdom I wasn’t made part of the deployment but what I remember is that when the confusion erupted at a polling station closer to the NDC candidate’s house, my regional commander called me and told me that this is what is happening this is his intel that there was a total confusion at the place I just mentioned. So, I should quickly mobilize men and go there. And as humble and obedient servant there was nothing I could do than to comply. I did exactly that and when I went there, I used whatever technique that I had to restore calm in the area. That is all that I know about it.

Eric Opoku: On 19^th of February 2019, there was this publication that was made from proceeding of the commission that investigated into the Ayawaso barbarity; East Legon commander lied, Accra Regional Police Commander tells Short Commission. The Greater Accra Regional Police Commander has dismissed an earlier statement by the East Legon Police Commander that is you that he was sidelined during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election. This is a statement made by the Commander DCOP Edusei Sarpong. What do you say to this?

Supt Asare: Thank you Mr. Chair this is my former Regional Commander. I cannot use the word he lied but he said I lied. I didn’t hear but I read it. But what I can say here for the records is that I disagree with him.

Eric Opoku: Did you appear before the commission?

Supt Asare: Of course, yes.

Eric Opoku: And then you said you were sidelined in the by-elections, is that not correct?

Supt Asare: That is correct.

Eric Opoku: But today, you have told us a different story that your Commander charged you with a responsibility relative to the by-elections. Is that not what you are saying?

Supt Asare: Errm hon. Chair, maybe you didn’t get me right. The statement I made was that the deployment was done at the regional level and I went further to say that Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency has 11 electoral areas, yes, and out of this 11, three falls with East Legon police district so I was expecting that I made this statement at the commission that this is my district a by-election is going to be held here, I am the Commander then the deployment you have taken my name out. So, at the Emil Short Commission they inquired as to whether or not when I saw that my name wasn’t in the deployment did you complain to anybody and I said yes. If you can still recall, I said yes; I complained to my boss he was then Chief Supt Mr. Akwasi Fori and at the commission I kept referring to him as Akwesi Fori if you remember and our retired IGP Mr. Kwasi Acheampong was correcting me that I should mention his name he is my senior man, I don’t have to just call him Kwasi Fori, I was going to repeat it here too. Chief Supt Kwasi Fori was my friend, yes, so that was how I was calling him Akwasi sometimes I call him Akwasi you see. So, if I say that later on the fact that you have not been deployed doesn’t mean that you’re not work. I am the District Commander, I am not part of the exercise but something is happening and they have called you, why? Was I on leave? Was I sick? I was on duty something has happened; he may have a very fine reason why he called me to that assignment. So, that is not to say that I was deployed. The fact that I was not deployed doesn’t necessarily mean that should something untoward happens within your district you will not go there. That I will not construe it to be deployment, hon. Chair.

Eric Opoku: And so, when you appeared before the commission and then spoke under oath that you were sidelined you spoke the truth. Is that not correct?

Supt Asare: When I told the Emil Short Commission that I was sidelined, of course, that was the truth

Eric Opoku: And the then Regional Commander also appeared under oath indicated to the commission that you lied. And you’re saying that he was being economical with the truth.

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair, I want to repeat myself that, in the deployment, police service before you go for any operation, they will select men to go and do it. And I was pained in making that statement at the commission that I have complained to you at the region level that I am the commander there why are you taking me out, to the extent that my command car was taken away from me you understand. If I was part of the exercise, why would I complain? I was not part. But after they had done it and something happened, they will call you it doesn’t matter that you were not deployed I wasn’t part at all. I still stand by the statement I made. I didn’t lie so the statement that I lied I wouldn’t say my master lied but I will say that I disagree with him.

Eric Opoku: Lets proceed. Now page 21 of the transcript down there, there is speaker three, have you seen it? M’ate sɛ ɛnkyɛ, page 21, na ɛnɛ me nim sɛ ya ba yi commissioner nu aba yi deɛ mo de bɛ bɔ yɛ ni mmom. Mako didi m’ahyɛ me white agu hɔ, to wit, I have heard it will not keep long but today I know that today coming here since the commissioner himself is here you will handle it right. I have eaten I have prepared my white attire. This is captured in the audio as a statement having come from you. Do you confirm this?

Supt Asare: Yes hon. Chair.

Eric Opoku: When you said to Chief Naabu that you will handle it what exactly were you talking about? You will handle it. I know because the commissioner is here today, you will handle it. What exactly were you talking about when you said you will handle it? What was he to handle?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair, as you rightly said, chief Bugri Naabu did state that “ɛnkyɛ, ɛnkyɛ koraa no yebeyi nu” but what is contained in the tape is ɛnkyɛ. That was why initially I said the tape is doctored. He made a complete and emphatic statement and as I told you I will be happy if COP George Alex Mensah is made the IGP.

Eric Opoku: Then there is this statement, page 22, “mete sɛ odi Bediatuo koraa dwuma. Ɛyɛ me sɛ ɔnnka nokwer3 nkyerɛ no, to wit, I heard he reprimanded Bediatuo it seems he does not tell him the truth. Is it also your statement?

Supt Asare: Hon. I’m happy you furnished us with verbatim transcription of the audio tape and as you are in no doubt aware, what I see here is speaker it could be anybody. I don’t remember making such a statement. I don’t remember.

Counsel: Then page 24, Alhaji spiritually you are the controller. This statement is also attributed to you. Do you confirm?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair, yes

Eric Opoku: What is the meaning of that statement, spiritually you are in control, what do you mean?

Supt Asare: Hon. What I meant by that statement is that Chief Bugri Naabu made an emphatic statement that this thing, I just want to quote him verbatim but it will be difficult but all that he was trying was that this thing you have to fight it both physically and spiritually and then he gave us examples by those examples, people that he helped them fight for the position spiritually. It was a private conversation so I don’t want to make it public here. But the spiritual one he went further to show us which places that he can go so it was on the premise of this that I made that statement that Alhaji this one deɛ you’re the boss oo because you made us understand that I didn’t even know that when you are fighting for a position you have to fight it in two ways both spiritually and physically.

Patrick Boamah: Chief Asare you are a man stiped in religion and Christianity and you went there for the first time with a prophet who intercedes on your behalf so what was going through your mind when they were talking about other things in a different realm?

Supt Asare: Fine question hon. Chair, very fine question. In fact, as I did indicate, there are so many issues with this tape. The one who doctored it actually meant something evil because this is a conversation that we have had. What was going through my mind I said it but it wasn’t captured in the tape that honourable as for master, he was there, as for master I don’t think he will like these things. He is a staunch Christian. So, I don’t think he will buy this idea of fighting this thing spiritually.

Patrick Boamah: So, the spiritually in the context of that discussion was juju or other things?

Supt. Asare: Hon Chair, he mentioned some Imams that he can help them pray for him. I mean some Imams that can help him in prayers.

Patrick Boamah: What were they going to be doing apart from praying for him?

Supt Asare: Hon chair for prayers it is a matter of belief. Me as a Christian that is what I believe that if you conceive it in mind that the prayer will come into fruition so shall it be. If your mind is that it will not work it will not work. That’s my simple understanding of the whole thing.

Peter Toobu: Hon chair, just a second. Supt. Asare.  The son of Chief Bugri Naabu, Prophet Emmanuel Bugri Naabu coincidentally happens to be your spiritual guidance and you go to the father and the father says this matter we have to add spirituality why didn’t you avail your mind to the fact that this is the father of the prophet speaking?

Supt Asare: Hon Chair, Chief Bugri Naabu gave two options. Not even options he mentioned two ways that whiles fighting it physically you can fight it spiritually. And the spiritually myself I am in no doubt aware that commissioner COP George Alex Mensah is a staunch Christian and we made that statement known to Alhaji but he insisted that he has to also see some mallams. So, he recommended about three in the North even in his statement he said it in the tape, and in his evidence-in-chief to you he stated it that some from his village he mentioned it here. So, it was Chief Bugri Naabu himself that came forth with that suggestion.

Peter Toobu: You see, Mahatma Gandhi said something one time, he said I like your Christ but I don’t like your Christians because your Christians are unlike your Christ. You and Commissioner Mensah are staunch Christians. Lucky enough for Commissioner Mensah, Supt. Asare has a prophet in the name of prophet Emmanuel Bugri Naabu and here is a matter that has come and spirituality has come to play. Did you draw the attention of commissioner Mensah instead of listening to the direction of Bugri Naabu lets use the prophet because you believe so much in the prophet who happens to be your personal prophet?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair, belief system is relative to people, what you believe in somebody might not believe in it. So, forcing your belief system in somebody to me is not improper. But this particular one it was Alhaji and master knows he was a Christian and he was well aware that he will resort to his Christian prayers but in addition to that Chief Bugri Naabu wanted him to as well allow him to consult some mallams for him and that was why I said, Alhaji this one deɛ it is your job so now problem, you can do it if you can help.

Eric Opoku: You have mentioned three things. I just want you to clarify which one is accurate. Earlier on you indicated that Chief Naabu mentioned some places and then you came back to say that he mentioned some Imams and then thirdly you said some Mallams. Which of the do you standby?

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair I was using them interchangeably. The Mallams and the Imams they are the same people. They place, they are in places so I was just using those words interchangeably, yes.

Eric Opoku: You mentioned places or Imams, which one?

Supt Asare: The Imams or Mallams, they are in places.

Eric Opoku: He mentioned their names?

Supt Asare: Oh no. He didn’t mention their names

Eric Opoku: Did you approve this spiritual thing? When the man said you should go the spiritual way did you approve of it?

Supt Asare: I told him you are the controller because I don’t believe in those things but if you insist then you are the boss.

Eric Opoku: So, you did not approve of it?

Supt Asare: I did not approve of it because I don’t do those things.

Eric Opoku: Okay, page 24, top there – speaker three, hmm Alhaji but you know why you will not… I told him you cannot he doesn’t…

Supt Asare: Hon. Chair, which place is this?

Counsel: Page 24. I read, but you know why you will not…I told him you cannot. He doesn’t only contrast. You also go spiritual way and then you responded. Speaker three, okay. What is the meaning of okay here.

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How Supt. Asare was probed over the leaked IGP audio part 3

The Committee set up by the Speaker of Parliament is chaired by Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, and James Agalga, Builsa North, is the Vice.

Atta Akyea: So where are you stationed currently?

Supt. Asare: Honourable chair, I’m stationed at the Headquarters Protocol Department.

Atta Akyea: You see the tape that you heard that you say there is cut and paste is what we are working with at the moment. Who were the other voices on the tape?

Supt Asare: Honourable chair, my good self, Commission of Police, Mr George Alex Mensah and chief Bugri Naabu.

Atta Akyea: How does a gentleman called Gyebi feature in this matter?

Supt Asare: Honourable chair it came to me as a surprise because the conversation ensued just between the three of us and nobody else.

Atta Akyea: Is it the case or is it not that you prepared a meeting which should be held between chief Bugri Naabu and Gyebi with President.

Supt Asare: Honourable Chair, I want to make an emphatic statement here that on that fateful day when we had that meeting in chief Bugri Naabu’s office opposite the Osu Police station, we went there on the invitation of chief Bugri Naabu and if I will be allowed to continue, chief Bugri Naabu, I got to know him through the son. And I want to put it on record that I have had three different conversations with chief Bugri Naabu in his office. First conversation was when his son by name prophet Emmanuel Teye Bugri Naabu who happened to be my friend and my spiritual father. I was in town with him and then when we were about to sign off from our mission in town, he told me commander, my father’s office is around here. I want you to go there and say hello to him. So, commander I beg you let’s go. So, I accompanied him. When I got there, I was introduced and the father was also introduced to me by Prophet Emmanuel Teye Bugri Naabu who is the direct son of chief Bugri Naabu. And then after the introduction, the two of them were conversing about one Ayittey and this Ayittey I learned was the one who was taking care of chief Bugri Naabu. You know chief Bugri Naabu is a grown up and it happens most grown-up men. There are so many things in the house that he cannot do for himself which I cannot make everything public because he is an elderly man. So, this boy who is taking care of him said he has stopped the work he was doing for chief Bugri Naabu. So, having deliberated on the issue for a while with his son, the son suggested that: Daa, commander is here. Commander has worked in Mamprobi and he is very nice with the Mamprobi people and I am sure that even Ayittey might know him So, why don’t we let Commander Asare call Ayittey and speak to him to rescind his decision. They ended up giving me Ayittey’s contact number. I called him in their presence and then told him what I have heard from Alhaji and I have been asked to intervene so Ayittey also gave me his side of the story. And what he told me I cannot make it public because it is unpleasant. It is highly unpleasant. And this is an elderly man’s matter that I’m talking about here. If you go and spew such things about my elderly father, I wouldn’t be fine with you so with your indulgence I wouldn’t go there. That was the end. We exchanged pleasantries and then exchanged contacts I left his office.

Atta Akyea: So, what was the other meetings? This was a domestic one so what are the other meetings?

Supt Asare: The other meeting, I was there one day chief Bugri Naabu called me that commander where are you? Then I told him where I was. Please can you come and see me? I want to discuss something with you. Chief Bugri Naabu after his call, sorry when he made that statement to me that I should come and see him for a discussion, I told him okay, Alhaji I will come so I went. When I went, he told me after asking me about the progress of the assignment he gave me, in respect of his assistance Ayittey, he told me commander they are looking for a new IGP oooo, so do you have somebody in mind that you can recommend and I told him of course yes so, he asked me who that person is and I mentioned COP George Alex Mensah’s name to him. And then made him know about his credentials, his academic qualification and the way he’s highly respected among the rank and file of the Ghana Police Service. There Bugri Naabu told me, as for commissioner I know him. He has come to my house before in Dansoman. It was some boys from the Jubilee House that brought him to my house. And according to my investigation, he is on retirement and I said wow retirement? Where did you get all this information from? You are not a policeman, police internal matters how did you know? So, he told me oh commander but we are also in the system so we know everything and I said okay no problem. So, I took time to let him understand that commissioner George Alex Mensah is not on retirement. Anybody that told you that told you a lie. It is a total falsehood; it is not true. Commissioner George Alex Mensah is on his terminal leave pending retirement. That doesn’t mean the person is on retirement. So, I took my time to let him know the differences between the two and then he told me that apart from him if I go and tell the appointing authority and it backfires, who else can you recommend? And I recommended three other senior commissioners; number one. COP Mr Ernest Owusu, third one COP Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo Danquah; 4^th one COP Mr Christian Tetteh Yuhono and that was all. So final one, the last one that has brought this whole controversy is that, I was there on the 19^th of June 2023 at 2:13, I have the records here which I will tender with your indulgence when I am done. 2:13 chief Bugri Naabu called me that commander there is good news so I want you to come with.

Voices from the committee interject: 2:13 when? Which date?

Supt Asare: 2:13 19^th of June 2023. So, I should do my best and come with commissioner. Then I asked him to call him because he told me you have his number and he has come to your house. But all the same a big man who is a chief and well respected at the time not now has asked you do something for him not any bad thing that come with your commissioner COP Mr George Alex Mensah. I told him to call him and he called again. The calls were coming one too many and I was a bit surprised that what at all does this man need me for? For him to call me 12 consecutive times. 12, the last call was 5:57 more than three hours, he still wanted to see me. I never knew there was any malice and I thought that just as he called me some time ago and told me something let me go and listen to him and then when I started going, I think I had a call from commissioner earlier around 4 there about that Asare where are you? We are waiting for you. Me I didn’t know anything so I went. And when I went, if you listen to the tape the communication was already going because why I didn’t want to go initially was that you wanted me to recommend somebody to you, the person has been recommended, the person is in your office, he has come. Me I don’t need anything from you. I don’t want you to do anything for me, I am not a commissioner, I haven’t gotten to even AC or Chief Superintendent to give me a cause to have that idea, mind-set that I am closer to the seat. I am nowhere closer so the person that is closer to the seat is there with you. But since the big man, my boss himself has called me, I have to be respectful and do them the honour so exactly so I went there, met them. They were talking then he asked me, commander, what is your opinion on the performance of the IGP? And I told him my opinion. I am done honourable chair.

Atta Akyea: This narration is good for us but I asked you a question which triggered the narration so let me read to you what chief Bugri Naabu said. And this is the third meeting of the committee and I am reading from page numbered 7. Have you had the benefits of our proceedings?

Supt Asare: Yes, Mr Chair.

Atta Akyea: Okay so counsel get to the proceedings dated Monday the 28 day of August, 2023 and then page numbered 7 and I’m dealing with the last two paragraphs, a little bit down. I want to quote what chief Bugri Naabu said. “I even promised commander Asare that if he would come himself then I will go with him to the president so that I will sit down and he will talk directly to the president. He told me that day he was travelling so he wanted a man called Gyebi who is also a police superintendent to come and join me. He would equally say the same thing that they know about the IGP. So, they called Gyebi on phone, they said a lot on phone and I told him that Sunday 3 o’clock I’m going to book an appointment and go with him to the president. He said yes, he would be with me at that time. On the Sunday I called Gyebi and asked him to meet me at Afrikiko and I will drive him to the president’s place. He said he was in the Eastern Region for a programme, I said aah but you said you were coming. You people came to my office for such an important thing and now I am going to lead you to meet the president and you will not go. I was so disappointed.” Brother Asare it seems to me that chief Bugri Naabu is saying that you introduced superintendent Gyebi for the purposes of going to see the president on the matter. What is your response to that?

Supt. Asare: Honourable chair that is not true. Because I am the type that I know how to present my issues. Assuming without admitting if that was true, I will be eager enough to go and meet the president myself. Yes, when granted the opportunity. Because how many people can be granted the opportunity to meet the president then I snap a picture with him and go and put it in my hall that people will see that I am also somebody. Yes! So, I am not getting where this is coming from. I’m shocked, I’m surprised.

Atta Akyea: So, is it your case that chief Bugri Naabu is inventing a story against you?

Supt. Asare: Exactly so Mr Chair.

Atta Akyea: Okay members of the committee you’ve heard your man and these were a few introductions we have to do and now you have the space to interrogate him, who is ready to start? Yes, my good brother you can start.

Peter Toobu: Thank you very much honourable chairman. Superintendent Asare how are you?

Supt. Asare: I’m fine honourable chair

Peter Toobu: You know if I am on the mic, I expect you to be in a comfortable zone. We’ve known each other for years and you know what I stand for. You know my level of integrity and when I ask a question it is not a personal question. This is a public hearing; the public wants answers. It is an issue that has attracted so much public attention. The public is interested so to the best of your ability, you provide answers to the questions that I will ask. But never in your dream think that it is Peter who is asking questions. Yes, Peter is asking questions but I am asking questions because the public needs to know. So, you assist the committee to appreciate what we’re doing here. Before I ask my first question, I also want to appreciate the fact that the Ghana Police Service is not on trial in parliament. The committee has a simple mandate vis-à-vis the tape that has leaked so we are just going strictly according to the mandate given us. First question, you’ve spent 27 years in the service, when were you in the Upper West Region?

Supt. Asare: Honourable chair I was in the Upper Region in the year when the 2012 election results were about to be declared. No, the election petition was about to be declared so they declared the results when I was in Wa and I left Wa in 2015.

Peter Toobu: Between 2012 and 2015, did you ever see or meet chief Bubri Naabu in Wa?

Supt. Asare: Honourable chair, as I indicated earlier, the first time I met chief Bugri Naabu was when his son, Prophet Emmanuel Teye Bugri Naabu took me to his office that he was going to say hello to his father.

Atta Akyea: So, the answer is no?

Supt. Asare: Yes.

Peter Toobu: Thank you. Chief Bugri Naabu, in his evidence told this committee that the first day you met him and he asked how you got to know him, you said you got to know him in the Upper West region when he used to come to Alhaji Short and Chief Bugri Naabu acknowledged the fact that oh yes Alhaji Short is a strong NPP member and he used to come there so you can’t be wrong. Are you indicating to the committee that this is not true from Chief Bugri Naabu?

Supt. Asare: Honourable chair this is not true.

Peter Toobu: From your 27 years of experience, can you help this committee and the public that is watching how are IGPs appointed?

Supt. Asare: Honourable chair, just as you rightly said, what I know is that appointment of the Inspector General of Police is the sole prerogative of the president of the land of the republic and that is what the constitution even says, article 200 clause 1. That the president in consultation with the council of state shall appoint the IGP.

Peter Toobu; By implication, it is the prerogative of the president like you said. Is it very okay to also lobby for the position?

Supt. Asare: Honourable chair, this is my personal opinion which has got nothing with the tape but if I’m to express my opinion, lobbying has been with man antiquity. It is not today that lobbying started. Lobbying is all over everywhere. In some jurisdictions, there are some bodies that are called lobbyist. If you want them to lobby for you, you just engage them, they will do the work for you. But I haven’t lobbied for anything before.

Peter Toobu: Have you been contracted by anybody to lobby for him or her?

Supt. Asare: No Mr chair.

Peter Toobu: If I may ask you are so much experienced in lobbying in other words you have so much information in lobbying?

Chair interjects: Has he said so that he has so much information about lobbying?

Peter Toobu: Mr. Chair he said lobbying is as old as man.

Chair: He was making a general statement but he’s not said that he has so much information about lobbying.

Peter Toobu: Thank you. Let me reframe my question. Supt. Asare, in your experience regarding this matter under investigation, have you learned anything about lobbying and ethics?

Supt. Asare: No Mr chair.

Peter Toobu: As a police officer, chief Bugri Naabu’s office is not within the police facility. You felt very free in his office to discuss matters of the police to the point that you were even suggesting to him names that are clear for you so competent to become the Inspector General of Police should the opportunity appear. Is that very professional to do?

Supt. Asare: Mr chair it was a private conversation.

Peter Toobu: Counsel, if you may avert your mind to page 23 of the original transcription of the original tape. Page 23, I believe that it is the third paragraph that starts with Alhaji. Alhaji speaks. That’s chief Bugri Naabu speaks. Yeah, apart from him, there are two other commissioners who are also having their people watching. And speaker three that’s Supt Asare. He said Ernest and Maame Tiwaa. If I may ask for clarity who’s Ernest and who’s Maame Tiwaa?

Supt Asare: Honourable chair, these names have already been furnished the committee by me not quite long ago. COP Mr Ernest Owusu and COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo Danquah.

Peter Toobu: Thank you very much for the refreshment. Alhaji says hmmm but as for Maame and you came in to say out, out, out. Why is Maame so out in your mind?

Supt. Asare: How this out, out came, I don’t know. I can’t say anything about it. It could also mean that, because it was a private conversation with somebody that we thought was respectable. Out, out, out when somebody is out, out, out to me means the person is exceptionally good to me.

Peter Toobu: It is quite interesting that the context of the conversation you endorsing some recommendations by mentioning names okay, and chief Bugri Naabu told you two other names had come. I think you were smart enough to know the system to say the two names I know it is Maame and Ernest and chief Bugri Naabu said but, please underline that word, but as for Maame and you said out. Look at the context and look at the explanation you are providing the committee now. But as for Maame and you said out, out, out.

Supt. Asare: Honourable chair, for your records I want to say that how this out, out, came I cannot sit here and tell. I don’t know anything about it and if indeed it was said it was not up to any bad intentions but for a positive one.

Peter Toobu: Thank you on the 19^th of June

James Agalga: Sorry Superintendent, let’s establish something before you proceed. The out, out, out that is attributed to you, did that come from you?

Supt Asare: Honourable chair, I did indicate to you that I have no idea of this out, out, out one but assuming without admitting quote and unquote, that I did make that comment, it could be on a positive sense.

Peter Toobu: Superintendent Asare, do you know the role of the Police Council visa-vi the appointment of Inspectors General of Police?

Supt Asare: Mr chair, I have never had the opportunity to work with the Police Council but with appointments with Inspector General of Police, I have made it clear to the committee.

Peter Lan: If I can recall what you said, it is the prerogative of his Excellency the President to appoint in consultation with the Council of State. And you and I know that the Colice council provides strategic and policy advise on matters of the police to the president. The question I want to ask, which role do you think chief Bugri Naabu will be playing to facilitate the appointment of an IGP?

Supt Asare: Honourable chair, chief Bugri Naabu as we all know is a politician. He was the regional chairman for the NPP in the Northern Region. And now he is a National Council member and when we met in the course of our conversation, he did indicate that he recommended the current IGP to the President. So, he made that statement and if a politician tells you this as to whether or not it is true, you leave as it is because I don’t need any appointment and I wasn’t again as well lobbying for anybody.

Peter Toobu: If you look at regulation 82 (1c i), and if I may read that just to refresh your memory. Regulation 82 of CI 76 in other words Ghana Police Service Regulation 2012, (82) -Major Offences: It is a major for an officer to engage in any activity outside official duties which is likely to involve the officer in political controversy. I am very happy that you know that chief Bugri Naabu is a politician and a very seasoned one as such, a former Northern Regional chairman of the NPP and a National Council member of the NPP. Discussing matters of the appointment of the IGP with chief Bugri Naabu and mentioning the name of the Executive Secretary to the President, Mr Asante Bediatuo’s name in the discussions. Do you in your own professional mind believe that this will not stoke political controversy?

Counsel for Asare: Mr chair we will want to object to this question. It is our considered view that answering this question may lead to the witness incriminating himself because number 1, it is a legal question. Honourable member has already referred to the Police Service Regulations, the title is major offences and he going to answer in that manner may lead to unforeseen circumstances. My Lord we would want to object to it.

Chair: You see, my humble view is that he was just telling him what he should know as a senior police officer. So, when he brings to the fore the position of the law vis-à-vis his conduct, he should just comment on it. Whether he wanted to violate the laws of the service or not. Or what he said is something that, I don’t want to have to answer it. But I do not believe that this can give him troubles because bear in mind the trouble already is on the audio. Nobody is going to create any trouble for anybody the trouble is already on the audio and the whole world has heard the trouble. So, please I don’t believe that this is an unfair question and it will have self-incriminating consequence for Superintendent Asare.

James Agalga: Chairman, except that maybe honourable Peter should lay the foundation whether those words attributable to him are true that would then form the basis for the second question. Because there is a certain assumption that he said them without first establishing from him.

Atta Akyea: You see Superintendent, the reason why I am quiet looking at you like that is that when he says certain things and attribute them to you and you know that you didn’t say it what do you do? So if he comes out with an assumption and then you believe that the assumption is wrong, I am not saying it’s wrong or it’s right, it depends on you so counsel I know that this is a very senior police officer and he has the benefit of two lawyers so listen to the questions critically because some times what he’s trying to put across is an assumption of truth and whether you accept the assumption of truth or not it is up to you. So honourable would you want to probably rephrase and help him to answer and trust me if it is self-incriminating, we will let you know that look, you shouldn’t answer but I don’t believe that this is self-incriminating.

Counsel: We are grateful.

Peter Toobu: Thank you very much Mr Chairman but Supt. Asare himself knows that I will not push him in the corner that he will suffocate.

Atta Akyea: He doesn’t know because you used to be a police officer and sometimes as if you are romancing the person to put him in a corner to suffocate so I don’t trust your bonafedes.

Peter Toobu: Thank you very much Mr Chairman, let me lay a proper foundation.

Supt. Asare: My course mate

Atta Akyea: He is what?

Supt. Asare: My course mate at the police training school.

Atta Akyea: Amazing. Woow

James Agalga: That’s why he laid the foundation

Atta Akyea: Amazing. Well, but I can assure your that per my training as a criminal attorney, you should be careful whether he is not leading you to a blind alley. You have those things. This what you people use in tricking witnesses and all that.

Peter Toobu: Thank you very much Mr Chair, let me just lay a foundation. Page 22 of the original transcript. Counsel if you may just get it. Page 22, in the middle, after speaker 3 says thank you, Alhaji continues If I will try and read the Twi; Sɛ me ka kyerɛ mo sɛ me kura bomb. M’ato bomb baako. To wit, I told you I had a bomb, I dropped one. That is Alhaji and you came in to say; me tesɛ odi Bediatuo koraa dwuma sɛ ɔnnka – he has not been telling him the truth. To wit, I said I heard the President reprimanded Bediatuo for that, it seems he doesn’t tell him the truth. Alhaji came back to say; wo seɛ? to wit pardon me and you came in: Me sɛɛ me teese president no deɛ Bediatuo koraa dwuma sɛ ɔnnka he has not been telling him the truth to wit I said I heard the president reprimanded Bediatuo for that. He has not been telling him the truth. Alhaji came in and said yes, yes, yes and commissioner Mensah ended that page by saying that Bediatuo does not tell the president what’s is going on. And I am asking a question; you are a senior police officer here is what you said about the involvement of Bediatuo on his whole matter.

If you go to page 23 just the first paragraph; Nnɛ me ne Nana Addo wofase. Sɛ wo nim area mama? Ↄsɛ now everybody has put a blame on Bediatuo. And the question I was just asking the president’s wofase area Mama is coming into the picture, the Executive Secretary to the President is coming in the picture and presumably the statement in there which is quite dangerous, the President’s Executive Secretary doesn’t tell him the truth. And I am asking a question; if you look at regulation 82, 1C1 which talks about the ability to be able to prevent yourself or absorb yourself from political controversy and as a professional police officer, I was just asking a simple question. Do you believe that this did not qualify that you stoke political controversy in the system?

Supt Asare: Mr chair, I think this question comes in two forms; one, comment about Nana Asante Bediatuo and the second is also about Area Mama. Honourable chair, these matters were strictly private and confidential matters which I did not intend to make it public and I do not intend to do so.

Peter Toobu: Thank you. Since you do not intend to progress from that angle and the chairman is quiet it means that chairman does not have a problem with your position. And if I may end, do you know how chief Bugri Naabu and Supt Gyebi met? Do you know how they met?

Counsel: Mr chair we would want to object to this question.

Atta Akyea: Sorry about that. What was the question? I was slightly distracted by the consultant on some other matter. What was the question?

Peter Toobu: Chief Bugri Naabu indicated to this committee that you introduced Supt Gyebi to him but I was just asking a very simple question; do you know how they met whether it was your introduction that qualifies for the first meeting or they knew each other before you got them together?

Counsel: Mr chair, we think that no proper foundation has been raised in this question. The witness has already indicated that he never did any introduction between Gyebi and Alhaji. So, therefore asking how they met creates the impression that he has already admitted there was a meeting and he has to now explain how they met. We believe that it is not proper.

Atta Akyea: But you see, this is not even a matter of law. The big man here should be able to say that honourable I have never admitted that I have introduced Gyebi and therefore your question is wrong in the first place and then you go on. They are very simple matters oooo. You see the legalities is what should concern you. But I am sure he is very good enough to understand if you like the inherent contradictions of what he’s saying because you have told the committee that I have never introduced Gyebi to anybody so he should repeat it. I expected him to say that no. So, counsel I think that your client is very safe and very intelligent. Both of them are policemen so you should understand where he is going. The police they have a way of asking question but when another policeman is asking another policeman there shouldn’t be a difficulty. Unless there is a legal trap and trust all of us here, we will protect him. You know the number of lawyers who are here? We will protect him. I did not believe that this is a serious question which is self-incriminating. I am only craving the indulgence of my colleague to land and I am also praying that Supt Asare is listening well please.

Supt. Asare: Yes, Mr chair.

Peter Toobu: Before I land, as the chair puts it, none of us here has the interest to incriminate anybody. No. Chief Bugri Naabu made some assertions and if it has to do with you, it is an opportunity for me to put it before you so that at least you have the chance to say yes or no because it means a lot to your own integrity. Chief Bugri Naabu has appeared before the committee and say; I spoke with Supt Gyebi on phone on phone in my officer and Supt Asare was there. Is this assertion true or not?

Supt Asare: Mr Chair, the assertion is false.

Peter Toobu: Mr chair if I am permitted to stand down now if I may come back later in other words this is how far I can go.

Atta Akyea: Honourable Patrick Boamah will have his turn                                                 Patrick Boamah: Thank you Chairman, I have a few questions, some few questions for Supt. Asare, or Chief?

Supt. Asare: Superintendent, Hon Chair.

Patrick Boamah: Very well. Thank you. You’ve told this committee that your closeness to Chief Naabu was as a result of his son being your spiritual father.

Supt. Asare: That is so, Hon. Chair.

Patrick Boamah: How long have you known the son please?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair, if I’m not mistaken, I’ve known Prophet for about two years. I know him but that time he wasn’t my friend, but since we had that bond, is about two years now.

Patrick Boamah: Just two years?

Supt. Asare: Yes Hon. Chair.

Patrick Boamah: Does he operate a church or just freelance?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., he only prays for me anytime we come into contact. and is a friend that introduced him to me that he is a pastor, he is a prophet, he is very good, and ever since I met him, err, I’ve seen some changes, he’s given me some directions, some of them worked, yes.

Patrick Boamah: So, haha, have you, haha..I want to yield to the Chair

Atta Akyea: Yes, (clears throat) Supt., (clears throat) yeah, you’ve said a man should prophesy for you, and as a senior police officer, you didn’t investigate his bona fides, where he was functioning from, and the rest of it, is that what you want the committee to believe?

Supt. Asare: Err Hon. Chair., I know he has a church, but I have never been there. He, he, I mean he prays for me on phone, yes, and I could remember there was a time, err no, no no no no, when was that? When was that? The second time I went there, the second time I went to Bugri Naabu’s office on his invitation. I suggested to him after our deliberation, that he should help the son, to get his own church, because according to him, he is following somebody, and it’s not helping him, so he wanted to have his own church so Alhaji should help him. And Alhaji asked me, err, so as you told me, he prays for you, does his prayers work? And I asked him Alhaji, (laughs), your own son, you don’t trust him, (continues laughing), why do you do that? Hehe just help him, find his own church, whether his prayers work or it doesn’t work. That one we’ll all take it from there. What he needs is his own church building. Yes, I remember I had that discussion with Chief Bugri Naabu.

Atta Akyea: But did he prophesy to you that you will be taped? Or he didn’t prophesy to you that you’ll be taped

Supt. Asare: (Laughs) Hon. Chair., even our almighty TB Joshua that is known in our Sub Region as most powerful spiritually, his church building collapsed on his church members and he didn’t know. So, it will be difficult for men of God to see everything. Sometimes certain things may escape you as human as you are.

Atta Akyea: Hon. Boamah you’re in the prophetic. Move on

Patrick Boamah: (Laughs) I don’t want to assume that responsibility chairman (continues laughing). So, you had three encounters with Chief Naabu; one with his son; two when he invited you and asked for suggestions for a new IGP. The third one was a meeting on the 3^rd June, 2023 at 5:57pm, you said to us, good. Where were you in 2012, 2016 and 2020 during the elections?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., 2012, I was the District Crime Officer, Tesano and Hon., Member was my MP then in Ayawaso, erh Okaikoi Central then, and 2016…

Patrick Boamah: 2012 I was a candidate

Supt. Asare: You were a candidate yes, you were a candidate, that’s correct. And you won

Patrick Boamah: I did

Supt. Asare: And 2016, I was in Mamprobi, errm 2020 headquarters, headquarters, Police, National Headquarters.

Patrick Boamah: So, you’ve never supervised an election as a District Commander or a Divisional commander?

Supt. Asare: Mr. Chair., the election, the election 2012, I supervised the election in my area of responsibility, in Tesano.

Patrick Boamah: But you were not the District Commander, or the Divisional Commander then.

Supt. Asare: I was made the one in charge, the task force, the security taskforce. But the deployment and everything were done by my commanders, the District Commander and the Divisional Commander.

Patrick Boamah: Okay. This whole enquiries or probe, is about suspicions of a politically favoured Inspector General of Police, who could influence an outcome of an election, that’s why I ask you where you were in 2012, 2016 and 2020. Can you tell this committee whether that is possible?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., if you may repeat the question

Patrick Boamah: The discussions between Commissioner Mensah and Chief Naabu was to get a favourable IGP who could assist the government of the day, in election, if you listen to the tape well.

Supt. Asare: Mr. Chair., the question is now clear, the meeting that we had with Chief Bugri Naabu, had gotten nothing to do, or had nothing to do with politics, at all, and I repeat, at all. Chief Bugri Naabu invited me that I should come with him, my first invitation, unless of course somebody tells me err if somebody is a politician, when even he asks you of your name you’re not supposed to answer. Politicians are brothers, they are our friends, some of them are our mates, like my brother, err Hon. Peter Toobu. I cannot say Peter Toobu is now a politician so I shouldn’t talk to him, no. It got nothing to do with politics, at all.

Patrick Boamah: So, this mafia, supposed mafia in elections that was discussed on the tape, and you have the benefit of the transcript, do you agree with that please? Supposed mafia, exhibit 1, page 4. I know you were not there, but you’ve had the benefit of going through the transcript, and I want to find out from you, whether you believe that in elections or organization of elections, as it was discussed in the tape, there can be some mafia work, in quote as was stated on record.

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., as you rightly said, when that particular statement was made, I wasn’t there, but listening to the tape, if I’m to give a comment on that, what I have to say is that, me, you have had the opportunity to see my work in your constituency, and Hon. Peter will attest to the fact, that I’m the type my one is one, my two is two, I don’t lie. My one is one, my two is my two. What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander. What you aren’t supposed to do, I’ll never encourage you to do, especially if I’m supervising or I’m part of the operational team, no way. Anybody that knows me will tell you, you can do background checks about me. I don’t believe in mafiarism.

Atta Akyea: you see, it’s not that you don’t believe in mafia, he’s just trying to pick your brain, thus a serious police officer of long standing, is it the case or is it not, that in an electoral competition, there could be tendencies of people trying to use mafia, so they win elections. That’s all he’s asking.

Supt. Asare: Hon. That is something that is supposed not to be entertained. It is not a good thing

Atta Akyea: Yes, it’s not to be entertained, I agree, we know it’s very wrong. But is there a likelihood or is it, can it even be the practice based on your experience that in an electoral competition, of the nature we have in this country, as who should be an MP and a president, some people could use mafia tactics. Do you believe in these things or you think that it’s somebody’s imaginations?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., mafia tactics we hear after elections, people complain, news publications, you hear that this thing happened here, this thing happened here, and I see them to be mafia tactics, which shouldn’t be entertained.

Atta Akyea: So, you want to admit that there can be the possibility of the political players trying to use mafia tactics to get electoral advantage over their opponents as a senior police officer?

Supt. Asare: Exactly so, Hon. Chair.

Atta Akyea: Yes, that’s all he’s trying to say

Patrick Boamah: Supt., on that fateful day when you went to Chief’s office, at about 5:57 pm, who were the other people in that office?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., I went to meet two persons; one, Chief Bugri Naabu, two, my boss COP George, COP Mr. George Alex Mensah.

Patrick Boamah: And what was the subject matter for that meeting?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., when I got there, the meeting had almost ended. If you… err… okay. When I got there, the meeting had almost ended. And from my deductions, I saw that Chief Bugri Naabu wanted to tell us that there is going to be possible changes in the top hierarchy of our work, and that it could be possible commissioner will get the nod. As to whether or not he was lying, I cannot tell.

Patrick Boamah: So, the discussion was on who becomes the next IGP?

Supt. Asare: Yes, Hon. Chair.

Patrick Boamah: And you have arranged for Commissioner Mensah to see Chief Naabu?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., that is not it. As I did indicate, our visitation to his office, was at the instance of Chief Bugri Naabu. I didn’t arrange whatsoever for any meeting.

Patrick Boamah: So, the entire Police Service, Commissioner Mensah meeting Chief Naabu, there couldn’t have been any other officer to have joined that meeting than Supt. Mensah? Asare, sorry.

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., it was because I introduced, or recommended him to Chief Bugri Naabu

Patrick Boamah: So, you were the fixer?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., fixer as in what?

Patrick Boamah: The go between Commissioner Mensah and Chief Naabu

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., I’ll dispute this, that’s not true, that can’t be correct

Patrick Boamah: But you were the same person who mentioned the names of Commissioner, Tiwa, Ernest Owusu and Yohuno to Chief Naabu?

Supt. Asare: That is correct Hon. Chair.

Patrick Boamah: So, you were in the process of influencing the appointing authorities through Chief Naabu for any of these four people to be the next IGP?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., I was just expressing my opinion, just an expression of an opinion, because I do not have the capacity to appoint an Inspector General of Police. I’m too small.

Patrick Boamah: After that meeting in Osu, you met with COP Mensah?

Supt. Asare: No Mr. Chair.

Patrick Boamah: You didn’t call him?

Supt. Asare: I cannot recall, but he’s the type… you know Mr. George Alex Mensah is the quiet type, very quiet, he doesn’t talk. My Hon. brother, Hon. Peter Toobu can attest to this fact that he’s the quiet type. He doesn’t talk at all. Had it not on that day when he was seated by my right-hand side, I never knew he could talk like that, even though he thought me at the police college, yes, that is all that I know. He doesn’t talk. So, for me to be calling him, no, no, no, unless he calls me.

Patrick Boamah: You have a lot respect for him

Supt. Asare: That is correct, Hon. Chair.

Patrick Boamah: And he appeared here and said that the police administration is not being managed properly by the current IGP. What do you, what do you have to say to that?

Supt. Asare: Hon. Chair., as humble and obedient servant as I am, who am I, to sit in public and comment about the performance of my IGP or the police administration? I can never pass comment in public like that

Atta Akyea: Excuse me. But would you be able to be honest professionally, and comment on the performance of the IGP and the police service in camera?

Supt. Asare: Exactly so

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How Supt. Asare was probed over the leaked IGP audio part 2