Mahama Dismisses IGP Dampare, Appoints Yohunu As New IGP
President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare and appointed his deputy, Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohunu, as his replacement.
The decision, announced in a statement issued by the presidency on Thursday, March 13, and signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, comes as part of a broader shake-up within the country’s security apparatus.
According to the statement, Mahama’s decision was taken in consultation with the Council of State, in line with Articles 91 and 202 of the 1992 Constitution. Yohunu is set to be sworn into office on Friday, March 14.
The appointment marks a significant shift in the leadership of the Ghana Police Service as the administration moves to realign key institutions. Yohunu, a veteran officer with four decades in law enforcement, assumes office at a time of ongoing police reforms. The presidency expressed confidence in his ability to enhance professionalism and strengthen security nationwide.
The decision, however, comes amid a legal challenge. Policy think tank Imani Ghana and security expert Professor Kwesi Aning have jointly filed a suit at the Supreme Court, seeking to prevent the removal of the IGP and other security agency heads until an ongoing case on the matter is resolved in May 2025.
The plaintiffs argue that the premature dismissal of these officials would be procedurally unfair and have sought an interlocutory injunction to restrain the President and relevant security councils from effecting any such changes. They maintain that the case presents serious constitutional questions and that the balance of convenience favours the continuation of the affected officials in their roles until a final ruling is delivered.
