Economic policy analyst Senyo Hosi has made some bold statements regarding the unexpected removal of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare by President John Mahama.
Rather than suggesting that Dampare’s performance was lacking, Hosi pointed out that the real issue stemmed from his successful leadership, which seemed to have ruffled some feathers within the police force.
“Unfortunately for my friend Dampare, he’s a victim of his good work,” Hosi remarked during an appearance on The KeyPoints show with Alfred Ocansey on March 15 monitored by 3news. According to him, Dampare’s effective methods created a divide among police officers because some longed for the old ways, while many embraced the new direction he was steering.
“There’s some kind of division in the police because you have a group of people who wish the old way could be the path and then a lot of people who also embrace the new path,” Hosi explained. Senyo believes that this internal conflict likely played a role in the decision to replace Dampare, as those resisting change may have felt threatened by his approach.
Despite the turmoil, Hosi remains confident that President Mahama recognizes the value of Dampare’s contributions. “I am clear in my mind that the President appreciates Dampare,” he stated.
He suggested that the president’s decision was not a reflection of Dampare’s job performance, but rather an attempt to manage the internal strife within the police force.
On March 13, President Mahama appointed COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new IGP, as announced in a press release from the presidential office. Yohuno, who brings a wealth of experience with forty years in law enforcement, is expected to oversee the modernization and transformation of the Ghana Police Service.
Hosi further commented, “I don’t think that this exit was a planned exit of the President for Dampare.” He argued that Dampare’s initial trajectory seemed to point toward a celebrated retirement, but unforeseen circumstances forced the president to act decisively.
He further stated that the pressure from various civil society groups advocating for Dampare to remain in his position until legal matters were resolved likely influenced the president’s decision.
“It forced the hand of the President because you are practically trying to usurp his authority through the legal process,” Hosi explained. He indicated that Dampare was caught in the middle of conflicting interests within both the police and the government.
Senyo Host believes that the removal of Dr. Dampare seems less about his capabilities and more about the tensions that arose from his effective leadership style.