The Director General of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, COP George Alex Mensah has disclosed that Superintendent George Asare who was allegedly involved in the plot to oust the IGP is not his friend.

According to him, he worked with Superintendent Asare in Accra and only knows him on a professional level.

“Mr. Chairman, Asare worked under me as a regional police commander in Accra, so he knows me and I know him.

“But he is not a friend that we meet outside of work and do things. No, but he knows me and I know him,” he said.

Appearing before Parliament’s committee tasked to investigate an alleged plot to remove the IGP of which he is involved, COP Alex Mensah narrated how he ended up in the office of Daniel Bugri Naabu, a former Northern Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) who recorded the tape.

According to Mr. Mensah, he was invited by Bugri Naabu as the latter was allegedly scouting for a new IGP because he was unhappy with the management of the current IGP, George Akuffo Dampare.

“Mr. Chairman, my going to Mr. Bugri Naabu was through his own invitation and the purpose was that the probability that they’re going to change the IGP is high and they’re looking for somebody who can do the job and do it well,” he said.

He continued by adding that, due to his good work and diligence, he was recommended by Superintendent George Asare to Bugri Naabu as a good candidate for the position of the IGP.

“The purpose of Mr. Bugri Naabu inviting me was that, one of the police officers had gone to tell him that if they’re looking for a new Inspector General of Police then the man that he thinks can do the job and do it well is Commissioner George Alex Mensah.”

“Then Bugri Naabu said if that is the case, bring him and let me see him, that is why I ended up at Bugri Naabu’s office.”

“My impression was that yes, he was scouting for a new IGP,” COP Alex Mensah recalled.

The Director General of Operations said he had no problem with Superintendent Asare being with him at the office because he trusted and had confidence in him.

“I’ve dealt with him on several issues as the Regional Commander, so yes I have confidence in him,” he indicated.

Daniel Bugri Naabu appeared before the committee on Monday, August 28, 2023 and admitted that he recorded the conversation about the proposed plot to remove the IGP and he did that to safeguard the interest of his party [the NPP].

Mr Naabu, who confirmed the authenticity of the secret tape, indicated that his plan was to forward the tape to President Akufo-Addo to take action but unfortunately the tape got leaked into the public space and led to a lot of controversies.

Following public reaction, Parliament set up the Committee, chaired by the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta-Akyea, to delve into the issue.

The panel has the mandate to investigate both the authenticity of the leaked tape and the allegations that have captured the nation’s attention.

The Committee is to submit its report on September 10.