By Prominent members of IMANI Africa have issued a caution to President John Dramani Mahama. They include Vice President Kofi Bentil and Founding President Franklin Cudjoe. They advised against removing the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, from office.
Kofi Bentil, in a Facebook post, warned about dismissing Dr Dampare. He said it would repeat what he described as the wrongful removal of former Auditor-General, Daniel Domelevo. This occurred under the previous administration.
“We should try not to become what we criticized before. Domelevo was sacked for doing his job! The Supreme Court ruled it as wrong. What has the IGP done, except doing his job very well? I hope the NDC won’t repeat the evils of the NPP!” Bentil wrote.
He further urged President Mahama to respect due process. He should let the Supreme Court rule on an ongoing case. This case concerns the dismissal of security chiefs. He should wait for the ruling before making any decision. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on May 7, 2025.
“The government should respect the rule of law and wait for the ruling of the Court,” he emphasised.
Bentil also reiterated that Dr Dampare has been diligent and professional in leading the Ghana Police Service. He stated, “This IGP has been great at his job. He should have been retained for all our sakes. Even if President Mahama wants to repeat the mistakes of the NPP, he should demonstrate acceptance of the rule of law. He should wait for the Supreme Court to rule. We hope Ghana will see the promised reset instead of repeating the sins of the NPP in worse form.”
Similarly, Franklin Cudjoe described Dr Dampare as a “consummate professional” whose leadership has transformed the Ghana Police Service.
“It would be sad if someone is relieved of his position without any adverse findings. This person has been a true professional and risen through the ranks. They have changed the face of policing and enhanced our nation’s security.
Crucially, they survived all daggers from within and outside the service. We must insist on professionalism instead of extreme partisanship. There are few good men — keep them when you find them,” Cudjoe asserted.
