Five Controversial Arrests That Were Made By Dampare
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During his time as Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare earned a reputation for his decisive and, at times, controversial actions in arresting high-profile individuals, including well-known pastors and influential members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). His approach was seen as a determined effort to enforce the law impartially, regardless of a person’s status or influence. Below are five of the most notable arrests made under his leadership:
- Arrest of Reverend Owusu-Bempah and Associates
- On September 12, 2021, Reverend Isaac Owusu-Bempah, leader of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International, was arrested alongside three others—Michael Boateng, Frederick Ohene, and Nathaniel Agyekum. This arrest followed the circulation of videos allegedly showing threats, weapon displays, and assaults on police officers. The police statement cited a thorough investigation and intelligence gathering before the arrest.
- Arrest of NPP’s Abronye DC
- Kwame Baffoe, known as Abronye DC, the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, was arrested after making claims that former President John Mahama was conspiring with Al-Qaeda militants to stage a coup. Abronye DC was charged with publishing false news and engaging in conduct that could disrupt public peace. Following his release on bail, he continued to defend his actions and hinted at having personal issues with the IGP, which he promised to reveal later.
- Arrest and Conviction of MP Francis Xavier Sosu
- On November 3, 2022, Francis Xavier Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina, was arrested for reckless driving. He was seen driving dangerously along the Airport bypass in Accra, endangering others. The police impounded his vehicle and he was fined GH¢2,400 in court. Additionally, Sosu was ordered to remove illegal sirens and lights from his car, which the police supervised.
- Arrest of Dr. Stephen Amoah, MP for Nhyiaeso
- In December 2021, Dr. Stephen Amoah, the Nhyiaeso MP, was arrested along with six others during a police operation at the Airport bypass. The offenders were cited for various traffic violations such as reckless and dangerous driving. Dr. Amoah was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 and failed to adhere to traffic rules. He and the others were processed for court the next day.
- IGP Dampare’s Personal Arrest of Reckless Driver
- On November 28, 2021, Dr. Dampare himself apprehended a reckless driver on the Kumasi-Accra highway. While traveling, he noticed a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 dangerously overtaking vehicles and forcing oncoming traffic to swerve. The IGP pursued the driver, identified as 29-year-old Danso Gilbert Tweneboah, and handed him over to the Kibi Divisional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) for further investigation. The vehicle’s insurance status was also checked as part of the arrest process.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Dampare’s bold and unflinching stance in enforcing the law against both common citizens and high-profile figures set a tone for accountability, regardless of one’s position in society.
Source: GhanaWeb