KEY POINTS
- Group claims police ignored threats against Speaker Bagbin.
- Allegations suggest political bias in law enforcement.
- Demands for security and ministerial intervention increase.
Ghana’s Inspector General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, is facing accusations from a group in the Nadowli-Kaleo constituency for allegedly failing to address threats made against Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin.
The Concerned Youth of Nadowli-Kaleo expressed their dissatisfaction in a statement Thursday, highlighting alleged police inaction after they submitted a petition on October 19, detailing a video where an individual reportedly threatened Bagbin’s life.
The group questioned the IGP’s commitment to impartiality, citing past swift responses to threats against figures in the executive branch.
Petition ignored, group claims
The petition, signed by the group’s convener, David Jawara, called for the arrest and prosecution of the individual in the video. The group claims the IGP’s lack of action undermines public trust in law enforcement.
“We are extremely worried that the disgusting comments in the video… have not received the requisite attention and action,” the group said.
They pointed to instances, including the 2020 arrest of a Power FM presenter and legal actions against former NDC chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, to suggest political bias may be affecting the response.
Demands for intervention
The group called on Interior Minister Ambrose Dery, a parliamentarian, to intervene and ensure the Speaker’s safety.
“We urge the minister to take a serious interest in this critical matter,” the statement said.
The group further demanded increased security for Bagbin, emphasizing his contributions to Ghana’s democracy over his 28-year political career.
Wider concerns
The accusations come after a period of heightened political tensions. The group noted that threats against Bagbin have increased since his October 17 pronouncement on a parliamentary petition, which drew mixed reactions.
The Concerned Youth warned they would use all democratic means to ensure Bagbin’s safety and accountability from law enforcement.
“We will not sit aloof and watch the leader of the legislative arm of government be treated with disdain,” the statement concluded. The Ghana Police Service and the Interior Ministry have not yet commented.
