Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has said that the admission by the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Baabu, that he recorded the conversation that captured an alleged plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has made the work of the parliamentary committee easier.
Toobu stated that prior to the appearance of Mr Naabu, the committee had hoped that the matter would not be complicated by a denial of Bugri Naabu hence, the admission has simplified matters.
Speaking on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 on Monday, August 28, Toobu who is a member of the committee said “Having Bugri Naabu in our presence today [Monday] as the prime witness in this matter that we are inquiring into, all of us were hoping that the matter would not be complicated with a denial from him.
“Lucky enough, he listened to the audio and after that straight to the point, he authenticated the audio saying that it was his voice and everything that was said in there was actually what he himself recorded. So we were very happy that at least it had simplified the whole inquiry process for us.”
Bugre Naabu said when he appeared before the committee that “The reason for recording this tape is that they are coming to tell me to go and tell the President something that they know what they are saying, and it is either I don’t go to tell the President and then I and my party suffer for it, and if I also go to talk to the President, it is good to tell him the right thing and since I cannot keep everything they were telling me at that point, it was very good to record, and I know the President that if I go and tell him something, and it turns not to be true, next time he won’t give me respect.”
The special committee was set up by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, following a complaint by the Minority.
The Speaker tasked the committee to investigate the authenticity of the leaked audio recording, the conspiracy to remove the current IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, any other matter contained in the audio recording and recommend sanctions to persons found culpable where appropriate.
It is also to make recommendations for reforms where necessary and make such other recommendations and consequential orders as the committee may deem appropriate.
The audio recording captures voices of some top officials said to be with the Ghana Police Service and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) discussing the IGP.
They are heard questioning the impartiality of the IGP, claiming he has the support of former President John Dramani Mahama, and so scheming to ensure the return of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The persons, therefore, called for his removal before the 2024 general elections.
The party official whose voice is heard on the tape is said to be Mr Bugri Naabu. He has, however, denied recording the conversation.