IGP Denies Rebellion In Police Service

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ernest Owusu-Poku has expressed surprise at reports of a pending strike action within the service due to the implementation of Government’s white paper on the May 9 Stadium disaster.

The white paper, which was issued as a result of recommendations by the Okudzeto commission set up to investigate the tragedy, directed that disciplinary action be taken against policemen who were on duty at the stadium on the day of the accident. Six police officers are also to be charged with manslaughter.

A private newspaper, “the Free Press” reported that some members of the service are planning to go on strike if the recommendations of the White paper are implemented. But Mr Owusu Poku described the report as false saying that the Service has no right to refuse to adhere to any government directive adding that the recommendations are being adhered to.

He also denied that President Kufuor’s planned visit to the Police headquarters this week was to meet with heads of the service to cool mounting tension. According to Mr Owusu Poku, the President has every right to meet with members of the service anytime he chooses to do so adding that discipline within the service has not collapsed as reported.