President John Dramani Mahama has relieved Dr George Akuffo Dampare of his duties as Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and appointed his deputy, Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, as his replacement.
COP Yohuno, a seasoned officer with forty years of experience in law enforcement, assumes the role of IGP at a time when the police service is undergoing critical reforms.
The appointment comes amid a legal challenge at the Supreme Court by IMANI Africa and security expert Professor Kwesi Aning, who have filed an injunction seeking to restrain the President from removing the IGP and other heads of security agencies until an ongoing case on the matter is decided in May 2025.
Supreme court suit challenges IGP’s removal
IMANI Ghana and Prof Kwesi Aning’s legal action challenges the President’s authority to dismiss the IGP and other security heads without proven misconduct.
The plaintiffs argue that such removals should only occur in cases of established wrongdoing, resignation, incapacity, or death.
The suit, filed at the Supreme Court on March 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM, seeks an interlocutory injunction to prevent the Attorney-General, the President, and the respective councils of the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service, National Fire Service, and Ghana Prisons Service from dismissing or interfering with the positions of their respective heads.
Legal arguments and constitutional concerns
IMANI and Prof Aning contend that the case raises serious constitutional issues and that allowing the security heads to remain in office until the court’s ruling would not harm the government.
They stress that should the plaintiffs fail in their case, the Executive would still retain the authority to remove the officials.
Furthermore, the plaintiffs argue that removing these security heads before the Supreme Court’s verdict would be unfair and undermine due process.
They insist that the court’s intervention is necessary to prevent any premature dismissals before a final judgment is reached.
Attorney-General given seven days to respond
The Supreme Court has adjourned the case, granting the Attorney-General seven days to file a statement of case.
The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for the extent of presidential powers in appointing and removing heads of security institutions.
Significant restructuring in Ghana’s security services
The decision to replace Dr Dampare marks a significant leadership shift within the Ghana Police Service.
The move signals the new administration’s approach to restructuring key security institutions, sparking debates over governance, constitutional rights, and national security management.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court’s ruling and its potential impact on the balance of power between the Executive and independent state institutions.
