Dampare needn’t have done anything wrong to be removed as IGP – Kwakye Ofosu

The Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has stated that President John Mahama’s decision to replace Dr George Akuffo Dampare as Inspector General of Police (IGP) was not based on any wrongdoing on the latter’s part.

He said the appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno to replace Dr Dampare was to enable the President chart a new direction with regards to the security of the country.

Mr Kwakye made this statement while contributing to discussions on the removal of Dr Dampare as IGP.

Following the replacement of Dr Dampare, opinions have differed over the President’s decision. While some police officers erupted into jubilant mood, some Civil Society players have described the decision as not in the interest of the country’s security.

This raised the issue of whether or not Dr Dampare did anything wrong to warrant his removal. Indeed, there has been suggestions that the letter that announced Dr Dampare’s replacement should have offered some explanation as to why he was removed.

Reacting to the concerns on the Keypoints on March 15, Mr Ofosu said, “As a public Servant, unless it is explicitly stated, the President has the power to say thank you for your services, go for someone else to take over. You needn’t have done anything wrong.”

According to him, “Once a new person emerges as President, the general expectation is that he will make changes that will reflect the direction of the country. So key institutions of state like the security services, which the Police Service is a major plank of, should expect some changes in direction. So, I expect that even the heads of these agencies would hold themselves in readiness for such a day. It is nothing personal, it is not a judgment on the occupant of that position.

In the evening of March 13, President John Mahama appointed Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector General of Police.

This was contained in a press release signed by Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

The statement read, “President John Dramani Mahama has in accordance with Articles 91 and 202 of the 1992 constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, appointed Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the Inspector-General of Police.”

COP Yohuno brings forty years of experience to the position of IGP and is expected to oversee the modernization and transformation of the Ghana Police Service.

READ FULL PROFILE BELOW 

Christian Tetteh Yohuno, widely recognized as a crime-fighting stalwart, has been married and has consistently balanced his personal and professional life with admirable ease.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

COP Yohuno’s academic journey began at Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, where he obtained his WASSCE certificate. He then pursued a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana, followed by an Executive MBA in Project Management from the Institute of Professional Studies (now UPSA).

PROFESSIONAL MILESTONES

COP Yohuno’s career has been marked by a series of significant appointments and promotions that highlight his capability and determination:

• November 2007 to May 2009: He served as the Divisional Commander for Accra Central and later as the Accra Regional Operations Commander.
• 2011: For his meritorious service in combating armed robbery and other criminal activities, he was awarded the Grand Medal.
• January 2012: His exceptional service earned him a promotion to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP).
• 2013 to December 2015: He was the Deputy Accra Regional Commander, where he played a pivotal role in maintaining law and order in the region.
• 2015: He was appointed as the Director-General of the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD), further showcasing his versatility and leadership in various facets of law enforcement.
• January 2016: His career progression continued as he was promoted to Commissioner of Police (COP) and took on roles as Director-General in charge of Special Duties and Director-General Administration.
• July 17, 2024: His most recent appointment as Deputy Inspector General of Police is a crowning achievement in his illustrious career.
• REPUTATION AMONG PEERS AND THE PUBLIC

COP Yohuno’s reputation as an outstanding officer is well-known. Ernest Owusu Bempah, Director of Communications at the Ghana National Gas Company, aptly remarked, “The best officer to fight crime is COP Tetteh Yohuno, he has the master code for criminals in Ghana.” This sentiment reflects the high regard in which he is held by both his colleagues and the public.

With his appointment as Deputy Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno is poised to continue his exemplary service to Ghana, bringing his wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to the forefront of the nation’s law enforcement efforts.

 

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