Former NPP Northern Regional Chairman Bugri Naabu has neglected to appear as a witness before the committee looking into a tape that was leaked about the Inspector of Police (IGP).
On Thursday, August 24, the committee, presided over by Samuel Atta Akyea, Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa South, convened for the first time to hear from the first witness.
However, Mr. Bugri Naabu requested permission for an absence in a letter signed by attorney Raymond Dornyo of Crabbe, Crabbe & Co on behalf of his client. The letter cited Mr. Bugri Naabu’s poor health.
Mr. Atta Akyea expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation, saying that “it is not good enough reason for the simple reason that unless it is a death-dealing malady, then we can say for one measure or the other, we cancel”.
All witnesses should “respect” the committee, especially its timetable, he pleaded.
“We want all witnesses to respect the committee especially our timetable,” he told journalists.
“I do not believe it is right and proper that when people are invited to appear before the committee, they have scheduled the committee. It should be the other way round.”
He added that the committee places a premium on respect for time and that he expects all invited witnesses to do the same.
“It is not a witch-hunt, these are very decent members of our community,” he said, referring to the members of the committee.
Following a complaint from the Minority, the Speaker of the House, Alban Sumana Bagbin, established the special committee.
The Speaker charged the committee to look into the veracity of the audio recording that had been leaked, the plot to have the current IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, removed, and any other issues raised in the audio recording, and to recommend appropriate sanctions for those found to be at fault.
