Prof. Gyampo Demands IGP Arrest MPs for Destroying State Property.
In a recent Facebook post dated January 31, 2025, Professor Ransford Gyampo, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has called upon the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to take immediate legal action against Members of Parliament (MPs) who were involved in the destruction of state property during a tumultuous session of the Appointments Committee.
Prof. Gyampo highlighted the IGP’s previous actions against government officials and MPs for traffic violations, urging similar accountability in this instance. He wrote, “Dear IGP Dampare, you have arrested government officials and MPs for traffic offenses before. Ghanaians demand that every member of Parliament who destroyed state property is arrested and dealt with according to the law.”
The incident in question occurred during a session of the Appointments Committee, where a significant confrontation erupted between the Majority and Minority members over the vetting process. This altercation escalated to the point where tables and microphones were damaged, leading to the postponement of the session.
The actions of the MPs have drawn widespread criticism from the public, with many expressing disappointments and emphasizing that lawmakers should exemplify responsible behavior rather than engage in destructive acts. There is a prevailing sentiment that ordinary citizens would face legal consequences for similar actions, and thus, MPs should not be exempt.
Prof. Gyampo’s call for accountability has ignited discussions on social media platforms, with numerous individuals supporting his stance. Some users have echoed the demand for the MPs to be held responsible for the damage to public property, while others have expressed skepticism about whether the police will act against the lawmakers.
As of now, there has been no official response from the IGP regarding this matter. The public awaits to see if legal action will be taken against the MPs involved in the incident.
This development underscores the ongoing discourse about accountability and the rule of law in Ghana, especially concerning public officials. The outcome of this situation may set a significant precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.