Former IGP Dampare Under Scrutiny: OSP Urges Him to Report to EOCO Over Alleged Financial Misconduct

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) isreportedly expanding its anti-corruption investigationstocover alleged financial mismanagement withinGhana’s public sector, with former police chiefDr. GeorgeAkuffo Dampare said to be amongthose being investigated.

According to information attributed to a recent OSPmedia briefing, Dampare has been asked toappearbefore the Economic and Organised Crime Officeto assist with inquiries into outstandingallowancesowed to police personnel and discrepanciesinvolving pension funds.

The allegations centre on claims that some officersdid not receive their legitimate allowances duringhisleadership, while money allocated for thepensions of retired police personnel may havebeen mishandled,diverted, or left undistributed.

Reports indicate that the investigation was initiatedafter whistleblowers raised concerns and internalauditsreportedly uncovered irregularities inthe allocation and payment of funds intendedfor both servingofficers and retirees.

Questions have also been raised over the allegedfailure to authorise payments owed to certainpensioners,leaving uncertainty about whethertheir entitlements were properly processed. Theseconcerns havereportedly contributed to theOSP’s decision to examine the matter further.

The investigation comes amid broader efforts bythe authorities to trace public funds suspectedof beingmisused and strengthen accountabilityamong individuals who have held positionsof public responsibility.

The OSP has emphasised that its investigationsare intended to be impartial and that anyonefoundculpable will face the appropriate legalconsequences, irrespective of their previousrank, office, orcontribution to public service.

Dampare, who led the Ghana Police Service as IGPbetween 2021 and early 2025, remains a prominentandsometimes controversial figure. Althoughsupporters have praised his reform initiatives andengagementwith the public, critics have questionedaspects of his administration, particularly mattersinvolvingofficers’ welfare and internal discipline.

His failure to attend a recent meeting involvingformer inspectors general of police has alsogeneratedspeculation about his relationshipwith members of the security establishment.

With the inquiry reportedly ongoing, attentionis focused on the evidence that may emergeand whetherthe investigation will lead to formallegal action.

The OSP has urged those connected to thematter to cooperate with EOCO, noting thatvoluntaryappearances may be consideredduring any future legal proceedings.

The case could become an important test ofaccountability within Ghana’s security sector,highlightingthe need for transparent financialmanagement and the protection of the entitlementsof serving officersand retired personnel.

Editorial note: The claims concerning Dr. Dampare,unpaid allowances, pension funds, and hisreportedinvitation to EOCO should be independentlyverified before publication. They are presentedhereas allegations from the supplied text, notas established facts.