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.