Security analyst lauds IGP’s action against British envoy

Security analyst Dr. Adam Bonaa has thrown his support behind the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Dampare, who responded to a tweet by the British High Commissioner to Ghana.

The British envoy, Harriet Thompson, tweeted about the arrest of one Oliver Barker-Vormawor who is on trial for treason, but this time, for a traffic offence.

The IGP in a four-page response that some have criticized for being undiplomatic and unnecessary said among others that the British envoy should “Di wo fie asem”.

Commenting on the development during a discussion on WoezorTV’s Friday news analysis programme, The Dialogue, Dr. Bonaa who is the Executive President of the Institute of Security Safety Policy Research- ISSAPR, faulted Ambassador Thompson for her tweet.

Dr. Bonaa noted that he is away that even some members of the diplomatic community were also not happy with her tweet. He also agreed with the IGP and other analysts that the High Commissioner’s conduct was a breach of the Vienna convention, which enjoins diplomatic missions not to interfere in the internal affairs of their host country.

The security analyst disagreed with the condemnation of the IGP, arguing that his reaction will serve as a deterrent to foreign envoys who may want to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

“So far as I am concerned, IGP’s response to the British High Commissioner I think was apt. It was right so that they will stay away from our internal affairs.”

“I would have wished that it had gone through probably the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but you know we have very fearful political administration who are not very bold and so my good friend Shirley Ayorkor Botchway would not have what it takes to speak directly to the British High Commissioner, letting her know that you should stay within your boundaries. Don’t interfere in our internal affairs,” Bonaa said.

Background
The IGP, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, dominated the news following the publication of a letter he wrote to the British High Commissioner, Harriet Thompson. Madam Harriet Thompson tweeted on May 17 that, “Oliver Barker Vormawor, convener of #FixTheCountry movement arrested again, I understand for a motoring offence on his way to court. I’ll be interested to see where this goes”.

The response by the IGP concluded by advising the British High Commissioner to mind her business.

“For the moment, we would recommend a Ghanaian saying that might guide you in your diplomatic engagements. The saying goes: ‘di wo fie asem’ – it means learn to keep within the limit of what concerns you,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile the Foreign Ministry has intervened in the simmering tension between the two parties assuring that it remains committed to the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Britain.