President John Dramani Mahama has relieved Dr George Akuffo Dampare of his duties as Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and appointed his deputy, Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohunu as his replacement. This decision was announced in a press statement issued by the presidency on Thursday, March 13, and signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The statement indicated that President Mahama made the appointment in accordance with Articles 91 and 202 of the 1992 Constitution in consultation with the Council of State. He’s expected to be sworn into office on Friday, March 14.
The move marks a significant leadership change within the Ghana Police Service as the new administration takes steps to restructure key security institutions. COP Yohunu, a seasoned officer with forty years of experience in law enforcement, assumes the role of IGP at a time when the police service is undergoing critical reforms. The press statement emphasised the government’s confidence in Yohunu’s ability to lead the service effectively, ensuring enhanced professionalism and security across the country.
The appointment comes shortly after Imani Ghana and security expert Prof Kwesi Aning jointly filed a suit at the Supreme Court, seeking to restrain the President from removing the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies until an ongoing case relating to the matter is decided in May 2025.
According to the plaintiffs, the security heads in question would be unfairly treated if they were removed before the Supreme Court delivers its ruling. In their suit, the plaintiffs prayed the court to grant an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Defendant, including His Excellency the President of the Republic, and the respective councils of the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service, National Fire Service, and Ghana Prisons Service, from removing, terminating, dismissing, sacking, suspending, or otherwise interfering with the positions of the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, the Comptroller of the Ghana Immigration Service, the Director-General of the National Fire Service, and the Inspector-General of Police.
The injunction was sought pending the final determination of the case. The plaintiffs further argued that the suit raises serious constitutional issues, with the balance of convenience heavily favouring the applicants. The plaintiffs further argued that the suit raises serious constitutional issues, with the balance of convenience heavily favouring the applicants.
By: Ernest K. Arhinful
