A private entrepreneur, 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.

According to him, Mr Okyere’s petition relates to his record of “misconduct” and corresponding sanctions during his time in the police service, as contained in a Right to Information (RTI) query.

According to the businessman, the maverick retired police officer’s record does not match the status of a lecturer in a reputed institution like UPSA.

“For a person who has been lawfully convicted of six counts of misconduct, serving as a leadership lecturer at UPSA leaves much to be desired in terms of filling and assuming leadership roles as a mentor to the next generation,” he said.

According to documents contained in the information request, ACP (retired) Agordzo was found guilty and sanctioned for six counts of misconduct contrary to Section 17 (K) of the Police Services Act 1970 (ACT 350).

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

“Any internal decision-making process he was subjected to, if any? – Yes, service request.”

“Any beliefs? – Yes.”

“Any punishments he suffered? – Yes.”

He was dismissed from duty in August 2007 and, upon appeal, the Police Board reduced his sentence on March 24, 2009. He was demoted in rank from superintendent to deputy superintendent of police,” the RTI details said.

The petition was submitted and received by a UPSA Registry Officer, Helina Appiah, on Monday, January 13, 2025.

The development follows comments made by Mr Agordzo on TV3 in Accra condemning police officers against the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, incites.

“If Dampare remains in office beyond January 7, police officers will mobilize to remove him from office,” he claimed.

ALSO EAD:

Read the full petition below:

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

Dear sir

Application for the dismissal of Dr. Benjamin Agordzo as lecturer

Following recent alarming public comments from retired police officer Dr. Benjamin Agordzo, the Ghana Police Service officer against the respected Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, incited, I learned with great dismay that he is a lecturer at your noble institution which has achieved the enviable distinction of training people of exceptional social and entrepreneurial character.

As a concerned Ghanaian who was disturbed by his comments which were broadcast by local television station TV3 and subsequently reported by many other news websites, I took the liberty to research more about him and find out why a retired police officer in a hierarchical Institution incites insurrection such as the police service, considering the impact of such an action on the national security and stability of the country.

Among other things, Dr. Agordzo is captured on video saying, among other destabilizing comments: “Some police officers will mobilize and drive him (the IGP) out of office, mark my words.” He continues: “I am telling you that police personnel are locking his door will.” (Attached is a video link to the comment https://fb.watch/x4CA-1wh2g/).

As a former police officer, Dr. Agordzo or should have known that inciting young police officers against the IGP on national television was a dangerous act that had the potential to destabilize the entire country. By advocating a breakdown in discipline, Dr. Agordzo, who was supposed to be a leadership lecturer, laid the foundation for chaos and lawlessness in society. This is definitely behavior unbecoming of a senior lecturer in a reputed public institution like UPSA.

I had the privilege of receiving a (RTI) request for information about him from a patriotic citizen. Mr Vice-Chancellor, I regret to note that the details I have encountered are as shocking as they are worrying for the reputation of every person expected to impart knowledge and values ​​to future generations. (Enclosed are details as contained in the RTI query).

Dr. Agordzo, as per the details, has a documented history of misconduct during his time with the police force, which at some point led to his dismissal from the force. After serving as an officer for almost two years, he was reinstated by the Police Board and demoted from the rank of superintendent to deputy superintendent of police.

For a person who has been legally convicted of six counts of misconduct, being a leadership lecturer at UPSA leaves much to be desired in terms of filling and taking on leadership roles as a mentor to the next generation.

It is on this basis; his inflammatory public comment and story as set out in the RTI’s request that I write to you to reconsider the appointment of Mr Agordzo as an employee of your institution.

Thanks

Best regards

Kojo Otchere

Contact: 0553011243