Forgive me if I offended you – Former IGP, Kudalor begs Ghanaians

The immediate past Inspector General of Police, (IGP) John Kudalor has asked Ghanaians to forgive him if in the discharge of his duties as the number one policeman he unknowingly wronged anyone.

According to him, every action he took was guided by the fact that he wanted to ensure that the Ghana Police Service was a first class security service.

COP John Kudalor was appointed by former President John Mahama in an acting capacity in November 2015 and was confirmed in February 2016.

Until his appointment, Mr Kudalor had held the position of Director General of Police Operations from 2009 till his elevation as the new IGP. He has a 27-year wealth of experience in the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Ghana Police Service.

Mr Kudalor came under heavy flak when he hinted that the Police Service was considering the shutting down of social media during the December 7 general elections.

The inability of the police to act under his watch after the election at a time some persons suspected to be supporters of the ruling NPP government were on an illegal seizure spree of state assets was another instance where his leadership qualities was questioned.

But speaking at an event in Accra, Mr Kudalor said he welcomed all criticisms of his tenure but added he tried to ensure that his actions were at all times in the interest of the state.

“In my quest to get the best out of my officers and men I might have stepped on toes and offended anyone…I’ve put it in quotation marks because I don’t think I can offended anybody, these acts were unintentional, non-diabolical, not deliberate or from malice or ill-will. I took such actions in my fervent hope to get a world class police service. To the good people of this country I want to thank you as to how we all carried ourselves as patriots before, during and after the 2016 elections in particular and during my tenure of office in general.”

Mr Kudalor was also confident that the new IGP, COP Asante Apeatu will deliver as he’s known him to be a distiguished and competent police officer.

“There were times and moments that one had to stomach and contain bitterness, ridicule, pain, blatant lies and of course periods of joy and satisfaction, success and praises. I’m not saying this to frighten my successor but as the saying goes…to be forewarned is to be forearmed and I know he’ll deliver though it’s not all that rosy…but know he’ll deliver, he’s somebody that I’ve known very well for so many years.”