IMANI Africa has issued a strong call for professionalism in Ghana’s policing leadership, urging President John Mahama to reconsider any move to remove Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
The think tank’s Founding President, Franklin Cudjoe, cautioned against sidelining a leader who has transformed policing and enhanced national security. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he wrote:
“It would be sad if someone who has been a true professional, risen through the ranks and changed the face of policing, enhanced our nation’s security, and crucially survived all daggers from within and outside the service would be relieved of his position without any adverse findings.
We must insist on professionalism instead of extreme partisanship. There are few good men. Keep them when you find them.”
IMANI Africa’s Vice President, Kofi Bentil, echoed these sentiments, warning against repeating past political missteps—particularly referencing the dismissal of former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo. Bentil emphasized that Dr. Dampare’s contributions to law enforcement should not be dismissed for political reasons.
“This IGP has been great at his job and should have been retained for all our sakes. But even if President Mahama wants to repeat the mistakes of NPP, he should at least signal that he accepts the rule of law and wait for the Supreme Court to rule.
We hope Ghana will see the promised reset instead of repeating the sins of the NPP in worst form.”
Dr. Dampare, a serving police officer with five more years before reaching the mandatory retirement age, has been widely recognized for his professionalism and efforts to improve security across Ghana.
IMANI Africa urges the government to prioritize national security over partisan interests and allow experienced professionals to serve without undue political interference.