Emmanuel Kotin’s critique of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare’s administration paints a picture of a leadership marred by controversial decisions and alleged mismanagement, ultimately weakening the Ghana Police Service. Kotin’s assessment focuses on several key areas, including the suppression of crime statistics, the mishandling of cybersecurity initiatives, the neglect of police welfare, and the unsettling cloud of extra-judicial killing allegations. These issues, according to Kotin, collectively contributed to a decline in the effectiveness and morale of the police force during Dampare’s tenure.
One of the most striking accusations leveled by Kotin is the deliberate suppression of crime statistics. He argues that the dismantling of the department responsible for compiling these crucial figures has left Ghana without the essential data needed for effective policy planning and resource allocation. This lack of transparency, Kotin suggests, not only hinders the fight against crime but also undermines public trust in the police force’s ability to accurately assess and address the nation’s security challenges. The absence of reliable crime statistics effectively operates as a blindfold, preventing policymakers from understanding the true scope and nature of criminal activity and hindering their ability to develop targeted interventions.
Kotin also points to the mismanagement of the police cyber security unit as a significant failure of Dampare’s leadership. Despite securing international funding to bolster the unit’s capabilities, Kotin alleges that the initiative was rendered inactive, leaving Ghana vulnerable to the growing threat of cybercrime. In an increasingly digital world, a robust cybersecurity infrastructure is not just desirable but essential for national security. The failure to capitalize on the available resources and establish a functional cybercrime unit, according to Kotin, represents a missed opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s defenses against this evolving threat.
The neglect of police welfare, particularly the mismanagement of the welfare fund, forms another core element of Kotin’s critique. This fund, designed to provide financial support to officers in times of need, including those serving in peacekeeping operations or facing personal hardship, was allegedly rendered ineffective under Dampare’s watch. This alleged mismanagement, Kotin argues, not only demoralized officers but also undermined their ability to perform their duties effectively. A well-supported and adequately compensated police force is crucial for maintaining law and order, and the alleged neglect of the welfare fund, according to Kotin, represents a serious breach of trust and a detriment to the overall effectiveness of the police service.
Perhaps the most serious allegation raised by Kotin concerns the extra-judicial killings that allegedly occurred during Dampare’s tenure. The fact that these allegations originated from within the police force itself, as evidenced by the leaked tape and the willingness of officers to testify before Parliament, adds significant weight to the accusations. Extra-judicial killings represent a grave violation of human rights and undermine the very foundation of a just and democratic society. The failure to thoroughly investigate and address these allegations, according to Kotin, casts a dark shadow over Dampare’s legacy and raises serious questions about the integrity of the police service under his command.
Kotin further criticizes Parliament’s inaction in the face of these mounting allegations, suggesting that Dampare enjoyed an almost untouchable status, effectively shielding him from accountability. This perceived lack of oversight, according to Kotin, allowed Dampare to operate with impunity, further eroding public trust in both the police force and the institutions designed to hold them accountable. The failure of Parliament to act decisively, Kotin argues, not only emboldened Dampare but also sent a dangerous message that those in positions of power are above the law.
In conclusion, Kotin’s assessment of Dampare’s leadership paints a bleak picture of mismanagement, neglect, and alleged human rights abuses. From the suppression of crime statistics to the mishandling of cybersecurity initiatives, the neglect of police welfare, and the serious allegations of extra-judicial killings, Kotin argues that Dampare’s actions weakened the Ghana Police Service and eroded public trust. The failure of Parliament to hold Dampare accountable, according to Kotin, further exacerbated the situation, allowing him to operate with impunity. Kotin ultimately views Dampare’s removal as a positive step towards restoring the integrity and effectiveness of the Ghana Police Service.
