Ghana: Police officers accuse Commander of taking bribes from drug barons

The Akim Oda Divisional Police Commander in the Eastern region has been accused by his subordinate Police officers of taking bribes from drug barons. The Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Ebenezer Ampofo allegedly took bribes from two drug dealers arrested with 50 wrappers of a substance believed to be cocaine. The Police Officer, Abu Isahaku who single-handedly made the arrest at Akyem Oda Old Town in February 2016, claims he has been threatened with a transfer by the Police Commander for failing to succumb to his orders to change the charge sheet in other to set the suspects free Isahaku also claims he rejected a GHC1, 000 bribe offered him by the two suspects said the Oda Divisional commander allegedly took the bribe and took charge of the case and presented it to a wrong court ostensibly to set the suspects free, a motive which was achieved.

The action of the Police Commander, according to sources, has led to a boost in narcotics trade at Akyem Oda Old town. The Deputy Eastern regional Police Commander ACP Abass Abaah who was informed of the issue has announced he has taken over the docket to continue investigations. He has, however, charged the Oda divisional Police Command to re-arrest the suspects who are at large.

The Police commander is also being accused of taking a Ghc33, 000 bribe from the suspects arrested by the police patrol team. According to source, the police commander gave Ghc 1000 each to the patrol team members and said he will use the rest of the money to buy Waakye for the IGP. Meanwhile, Superintendent Ebenezer Ampofo has declined to speak on the allegations against him. When contacted, he said some of the allegations raised against him are before court and will only speak after a ruling is made.