In a shocking but calculated move, President John Mahama has relieved Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare of his duties and appointed Commissioner of Police (C.O.P) Christian Yohuno Tetteh as his replacement. The decision has sparked widespread debate, with some questioning the rationale behind it, while others see it as a necessary step towards restoring confidence in Ghana’s security apparatus.
Ghanaian-US-based media personality Kevin Taylor, known for his bold political commentaries, has come forward to defend Mahama’s decision. During his recent show, Taylor minced no words, stating that Dampare had failed to execute his responsibilities effectively, justifying Mahama’s action.
“President John Mahama has every right to sack IGP Dampare, and he has done it. Listen, he gave him a task, and he didn’t do it. Numerous cases arose before and after 2020. Mahama spoke about it, but he, being in charge of the police, didn’t do anything about it. How do you expect such a man to continue leading the police? Christian Yohuno, on the other hand, was in charge of the CID and is the best candidate for the IGP position at this time,” Taylor emphatically stated.
Taylor’s remarks have fueled discussions on the effectiveness of Dampare’s tenure. Critics argue that under his leadership, the Ghana Police Service faced several security lapses, with unresolved cases of political violence, armed robberies, and election-related disturbances. Mahama’s decision, they believe, is a strategic one aimed at ensuring a more proactive and efficient police force.
On the other hand, Dampare’s supporters insist that his administration implemented significant reforms within the service, including community policing and crime-fighting strategies that yielded positive results. They view his dismissal as politically motivated rather than based on performance.
The appointment of C.O.P Christian Yohuno has also drawn mixed reactions. Known for his experience in criminal investigations and intelligence gathering, Yohuno is expected to bring a fresh approach to policing in Ghana. Many believe that his background as the former Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) makes him well-suited to tackle Ghana’s security challenges.
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