The recent inauguration of President John Mahama has sparked controversy surrounding the actions of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. Retired senior police officer, ACP Benjamin Agordzo, has publicly accused Dampare of engaging in political theatrics, specifically citing his highly visible act of directing traffic during the inauguration as a desperate attempt to curry favor with the new administration. Agordzo characterized this behavior as “eye service” designed to impress the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and secure his position. This accusation paints a picture of an IGP more concerned with political survival than with fulfilling the responsibilities of his office.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Forum for Development and Accountable Governance (FDAG) has also condemned Dampare’s actions, echoing Agordzo’s sentiments. The FDAG criticizes Dampare’s decision to personally manage traffic at Black Star Square, the site of the inauguration, labeling it a “shameful dereliction of duty.” They argue that his actions were a calculated move to gain political favor rather than a genuine attempt to assist with traffic flow. The FDAG’s strong condemnation highlights the growing concern over what they perceive as the politicization of the IGP’s role.
Central to the criticism leveled against Dampare is the assertion that he is prioritizing self-preservation over addressing pressing national security issues. The FDAG accuses him of neglecting his core duties, such as tackling escalating crime rates and resolving internal police matters, in favor of “cheap, staged performances.” This critique frames Dampare’s actions as a distraction from his failings as IGP, suggesting that he is attempting to create a positive public image to mask his shortcomings.
The FDAG’s statement further elaborates on the alleged neglect of crucial internal police matters. They point to unresolved issues such as delayed police promotions, inadequate attention to officers’ welfare, and stalled investigations into post-election violence and other high-profile criminal cases. By highlighting these specific areas of concern, the FDAG strengthens its argument against Dampare, portraying him as an ineffective leader preoccupied with political maneuvering rather than the well-being of his officers and the pursuit of justice. This paints a picture of an institution struggling with internal issues while its leader focuses on external image management.
The combined criticisms of Agordzo and the FDAG paint a troubling picture of the current state of policing under Dampare’s leadership. They allege a pattern of behavior focused on political survival and self-promotion, at the expense of addressing critical security concerns and the needs of the police force. This raises serious questions about the integrity and effectiveness of the IGP and his commitment to serving the public good. The controversy surrounding Dampare’s actions underscores the importance of maintaining a clear separation between law enforcement and political influence.
The accusations against Dampare have the potential to undermine public trust in the police force. If the public perceives the IGP as being more concerned with political maneuvering than with upholding the law and ensuring public safety, it could erode confidence in the institution as a whole. This could have far-reaching consequences, hindering the effectiveness of law enforcement and potentially leading to increased instability. The situation demands a thorough and transparent examination of the allegations to address the concerns raised and restore public trust in the police force.
