Leadership Turmoil: The Rise and Fall of IGP George Akuffo Dampare

In August 2021, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare ascended to the pinnacle of the Ghana Police Service, becoming the youngest Inspector General of Police (IGP) in the Fourth Republic.

His tenure was marked by a commitment to reform and a vision to transform the police force into a model institution.

However, beneath the surface of these aspirations, internal challenges brewed. In December 2023, a leaked audio recording unveiled a clandestine meeting where senior officers plotted Dr. Dampare’s removal, accusing him of political bias and misconduct.

A parliamentary committee investigated these claims and, in January 2024, exonerated the IGP, recommending sanctions against the conspiring officers.

Dr. Dampare responding to allegations: “These accusations are baseless and unfounded, aimed at tarnishing my reputation.”

Despite his exoneration, whispers of discontent persisted within the ranks. On March 14, 2025, the nation was jolted by the announcement of Dr. Dampare’s dismissal. President John Dramani Mahama appointed Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new IGP.

The reaction within the police service was polarizing. At the Police Headquarters, officers erupted in jubilation, welcoming IGP Yohuno with open arms. Some described Dr. Dampare as a “tyrant” and a “dictator,” expressing relief at his departure.

Anonymous Officer: “His removal has freed the police service from his grip.”

This public display of elation raised alarms among security experts. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former government spokesman on security and governance, voiced concerns that such actions could undermine national security and question the professionalism of the police force.

Palgrave Boakye-Danquah: “If police officers are jubilating over the removal of an IGP, this is a serious concern for national security.”

The saga of Dr. George Akuffo Dampare’s leadership and subsequent removal underscores the intricate dynamics within Ghana’s law enforcement agencies, reflecting the challenges of internal politics, leadership, and institutional integrity.

By: Bawa Musah

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