‘Drunk’ Ghanaian policeman captured in viral video interdicted

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Ghana’s Inspector General of Police has ordered the immediate interdiction of one of his men who appeared drunk in a video widely circulated on social media.

The police said in a statement that the uniformed officer has been identified and is facing a service inquiry over his conduct. He has also been referred to a clinical psychologist for further examination.

“In addition, he will be referred to the Police Medical Board for thorough review and support towards rehabilitation where necessary”, the statement issued by the police Public Affairs Unit indicated.

The Police said the officer’s suitability or otherwise to remain in the Service will be based on the outcome of investigations and the recommendation of the Police Medical Board.

The young uniformed police officer is seen in the video sitting and looking unstable. Moments after, he attempted to walk away but appeared wobbly in his steps.

A citizen who captured the video is heard running commentary on it while criticizing the officer’s conduct and questioning why the service has recruited such a character when there are many more responsible unemployed Ghanaians.

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Police poised to deal with officer misconduct – Dampare

Meanwhile the Ghana Police Service has warned its personnel against any form of misconduct in their line of duty.

The Service says it has instituted pragmatic steps to curb every misconduct behaviour.

According to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Service will not hesitate to punish miscreant officers whose actions oppress the public and make the public lose confidence in the police service.

He made the remarks at the inauguration of an office complex for the Police Professional Standards Bureau built by Tobinco Group of Companies.

“We want to give you assurance that in our quest to become a world-class police intuition, we have no reason not to up our game and make sure that we leave all the things that are unprofessional, unethical and inhumane that set us against the public behind so that at the end of the day, we would be out there to be appreciated with the public having confidence in us,” Dr. Dampare said.

A number of police officers found to have gotten involved in various forms of illegalities have been interdicted and put under investigation.

Last week, the Service interdicted five of its officers at Asamankese in the Eastern Region after they allegedly extorted money from a driver, allegedly assaulted him, and planted Indian Hemp on him.

The Police Officers were led by one Chief Inspector William Tawiah. The others are Sgt. Ibrahim Iddi, Sgt. Richard Otoo, Sgt. Samuel Kumah and Cpl. Richard Kpeanaah.

The victim of the extortion said the incident took place on January 2,  2022 at Sukruntu, close to Asamankese.

“That he [Victim] was arrested and assaulted, and it took a friend called Abu who happened to chance upon the scene to plead on his behalf. The policemen demanded and collected 500 cedis from him through his friend Abu before he was released,” according to a police communiqué.

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH with files from CNR, Ghana Police Service