Businessman requests UPSA to fire ACP Agordzo

A private businessman, Kojo Okyere, has petitioned the Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) to terminate the appointment of retired police officer Benjamin Agordzor as a lecturer.

Mr. Okyere’s petition, according to him, is over his record of “misconduct” and the corresponding sanctions while in the police service as contained in a Right to Information (RTI) request.

According to the businessman, the record of the retired police officer is inappropriate for the status of a lecturer at a reputed institution like UPSA.

“For someone legally convicted of six counts of misconduct for being a leadership lecturer at UPSA, it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of the characters being hired and given leadership roles to mentor the next generation,” he said.

According to the records contained in the Right to Information request, ACP (retired) Agordzo was found guilty and sanctioned for six counts of misconduct contrary to section 17 (K) of the Police Service Act, 1970 (ACT 350).

“Types of offenses committed, if any? – Six counts of misconduct contrary to Section 17 (K) of the Police Service Act, 1970 (ACT 350).

“If any internal review processes he was put through? – Yes, service inquiry.”

“Any judgments? – Yes.”

“Any punishments he has suffered? – Yes.”

He was removed from the service in August 2007 and on appeal the Police Board reduced his sentence on 24 March 2009. He was demoted in rank from Superintendent to Deputy Superintendent of Police,” the RTI details said.

The petition was submitted and received by an officer of the UPSA registry, Helina Appiah, on Monday, January 13, 2025.

The development comes on the back of comments made on Accra-based TV3 by Mr. Agordzo inciting police officers against the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Steamers.

“If Dampare stays in office after January 7, police officers will mobilize to get him out,” he claimed.

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Read the full petition below:

The Vice-Chancellor
University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA)
Accra
January 12, 2025

Dear Sir

Petition for the dismissal of Dr. Benjamin Agordzo as lecturer

Following the recent alarming public comment by retired police officer Dr. Benjamin Agordzo who incited personnel of the Ghana Police Service against the respected Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, I have learned with great shock that he is a lecturer in your noble institution which has achieved the enviable distinction of training individuals of exceptional social and corporate character.

As a concerned Ghanaian, after being disturbed by his comments which were broadcast by local broadcaster TV3 and subsequently reported by many other news websites, I took the liberty to investigate more about him and why a retired police officer would encourage rebellion in a hierarchical institution such as the police service, considering the implication of such action for the country’s national security and stability.

Dr. Agordzo is caught on video saying among other destabilizing comments “Some police officers will mobilize and drive him (IGP) out of office, mark my words”. He continues “I tell you police personnel will lock his door”. (Attached is a video link to the commentary).

Dr. Agordzo, who was a former police officer, knew or should have known that inciting junior police officers against the IGP on a national television was a dangerous act that had the potential to destabilize the entire country. By calling for a breakdown in the discipline, Dr. Agordzo, who is supposed to be a leadership trainer, the agenda of chaos and lawlessness in the society. It is certainly a behavior that does not befit a leadership educator in a reputed public institution like UPSA.

I have had the privilege of getting a Right to Information (RTI) request about him sorted by a patriotic citizen. Mr. Vice-Chancellor, I am sorry to note that the details I have been confronted with are as shocking as they are to the reputation of any person expected to impart knowledge and values ​​to future generations. (Attached are details as contained in the RTI request).

Dr. Agordzo, as the details show, has a documented history of misconduct while in the police, which led to his removal from the police force at one point. After being out for almost 2 years as an officer, the Police Board reinstated him and demoted him from the rank of Superintendent of Police to Deputy Superintendent of Police.

For someone legally convicted of 6 counts of misdemeanor for being a leadership lecturer at UPSA, the grades that are hired and given leadership roles to mentor the next generation leave a lot to be desired.

It is on these grounds; his initial public comments and history as detailed in the RTI request that I am writing to you to reconsider the appointment of Mr. Agordzo as a staff at your institution.

Thanks

Kind regards

Kojo Otchere

Contact: 0553011243