Police chief rejects subordinate’s claims of sidelining in bloody by-election

Accra Region Police Commander has rejected accusations that a district commander in whose jurisdiction the bloody by-election unfolded, was sidelined in security plans.

DCOP Patrick Adusei Sarpong said, the East Legon District Police Commander, DSP George Asare was included and given leading role in Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.

That January 31 poll turned bloody as 15 persons were hospitalised as several gunshots pierced the peace at one of the polling stations at La Bawaleshie which is within East Legon district.

DSP George Asare pointed out that in accordance with police operations, the Accra Region Police Command took over the security for the polls. But their man in charge of operations within his jurisdiction for the day was Chief Supt Kwasi Ofori.

The East Legon District Police Commander said, he was brought in after violence erupted and explained how his “tactical” intervention de-escalated tensions.

But speaking at a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence, the Accra Region Commander explained, he sent a WhatsApp message to particular police commanders including DSP George Asare.

The message to DSP Asare which was read at the hearing said “Good evening report at RHQ at 0500hrs to join other officers and lead patrol team”.

There was another directive to district commanders to release their official vehicles and drivers to the Region’s Command to monitor the polls.

According to the Regional Commander, he received no reply to the instructions. DSP George Asare has said his police vehicle and driver were released in accordance with the instructions.

But the Regional Commander said his subordinate did not show up for deployment.

“If he had come, we would have deployed him,” DCOP Adusei Sarpong told the Emile Short Commission Tuesday.

But later in the day after 9am, he received a call from DSP George Asare explaining, he was taking his child to the hospital.

DSP George Asare during his testimony last week Friday said he left the police station to go vote and returned to find suspects behind police cells.

Source: Myjoyonline.com