Chairman of the special committee probing a leaked tape detailing plans to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) from office, Samuel Atta Akyea, has criticised the committee’s Vice Chairman, James Agalga, for his stance on the legality of requesting the IGP’s call logs as evidence.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, 10 July 2024. Mr. Atta Akyea accused Mr. Agalga of misunderstanding the Constitution.
“We shall have the powers, rights, and privileges of High Court. So what are you saying that we can’t commandeer law? …So, what are you saying you don’t have the power. That is why you messed up. You didn’t understand the Constitution,” he declared.
The contention arises from the committee’s report, which Mr. Atta Akyea described as “anaemic and insufficient for any Parliamentary action.
The report, unsigned by the Chairman, found that three senior police officers—COP Alex George Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare, and Supt. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi—had misconducted themselves, a significant offense under Police regulations warranting sanctions per the Police disciplinary procedure.
During the parliamentary debate, Mr. Atta Akyea called for the rejection of the committee’s findings, criticising the report’s lack of logical foundation.
He noted: “I want to submit with the greatest of respect that this report reduced Parliament and the good committee of Parliament to a conveyor belt that anything they drop on it should go. You do not just listen to people who come before a committee and that will bring you to a conclusion of the matter.
“You delve into the matters. A committee of Parliament is not a conveyor belt. They’re supposed to delve into this matter. And on that showing, this report is so anaemic.”
He further emphasised: “It lacks substance for plenary to find, with the greatest of respect any decision on it and to uphold this report. “
“Yes. And I urge this House to reject this report because there is no foundation of evidence for this report. And we shouldn’t make a resolution based on such an anaemic report,” Mr. Atta Akyea added.
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