Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has responded to an earlier tweet made by the British High Commissioner to Ghana. The tweet which was made on May 17, was in connection to the arrest of the “FixTheCountry” convener Barker-Vormawor on a road traffic offence.
The British High Commissioner Harriet Thompson tweeted, “Oliver Barker Vormawor, convener of #FixTheCountry movement, arrested again, I understand for a motoring offence on his way to court. I’ll be interested to see where this goes…”.
It is the above tweet that made the Inspector General of Police note that, from past experience when such comments are ignored in the social media space it does not put the Ghana Police Service in a good light. “However, we have learnt from previous, painful experience that it has not been helpful to ignore such misguided, unwarranted, and biased comments intended to tarnish the reputation of the Ghana Police Service and that of our Country.”
Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, further through the four paged response advised the British High Commissioner to mind her business. “For the moment, we would recommend a Ghanaian saying that might guide you in your diplomatic engagements. The saying goes: – “di wo fie asɛm”— it means learn to keep within the limits of what concerns you.”
Dr.Dampare added that the second arrest of Oliver Barker-Vormawor was for a traffic offence since he was not he only person to be taken through due process for commiting such an offense. “ Are we to understand that you are concerned about the law enforcement process in Ghana or only as applied to your person of interest?” the statement quizzed.
“As our former colonial power and the source of our legal, judicial and criminal justice architecture and indeed, of our Police Service, we continue to look up to Britain among other countries for guidance with regard to how difficult situations are handled”.
Concluding the letter, Inspector General of Police Dr Dampare advised Madam Thompson not to interfere in the security issues of a sovereign state. Below is the response from the I.G.P.
