The appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as Ghana’s new Inspector General of Police (IGP) has sparked a wave of mixed reactions within the Ghana Police Service, highlighting the complex legacy of outgoing IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. While scenes of jubilation erupted at Police Headquarters, underscoring a palpable sense of relief among some officers, a vocal minority expressed discontent, criticizing Dampare’s leadership style and accusing him of tyrannical tendencies. This divergence in perspectives reveals a deep-seated division within the police force, reflecting the multifaceted impact of Dampare’s reform-oriented tenure.
Professor Kwesi Aning, a prominent security analyst, interprets the celebratory atmosphere at Police Headquarters as a testament to Dampare’s transformative leadership. He argues that the widespread rejoicing signifies a recognition of Dampare’s efforts to dismantle entrenched systems of corruption, clannism, and lawlessness within the police service. By prioritizing discipline and professionalism, Dampare disrupted the status quo, challenging established networks and practices that had undermined the integrity of the force. This disruption, while lauded by many, inevitably generated friction and resistance from those who benefited from the previous system.
Dampare’s unwavering commitment to enforcing discipline and accountability, while garnering widespread public approval, also alienated a segment of the police force. His “no-nonsense” approach, as described by Professor Aning, created an environment where officers accustomed to operating with impunity felt constrained and challenged. This strict adherence to rules and regulations, while essential for restoring public trust in the police, inevitably led to resentment among those who perceived it as a threat to their established ways of operating. The public displays of celebration following Dampare’s departure, including the controversial spraying of money, can be interpreted as a release of pent-up frustration among these officers.
However, the narrative of Dampare as a “tyrant” and “dictator” propagated by some dissenting officers must be viewed within the context of his overarching mission to reform a deeply flawed institution. His efforts to curb corruption and instill discipline, while necessary and commendable, inevitably challenged the entrenched interests of those who benefited from the previous system. These dissenting voices, while vocal, do not necessarily represent the majority view within the police service. Many officers recognize and appreciate Dampare’s efforts to restore professionalism and integrity to the force.
The mixed reactions to Dampare’s departure underscore the complexities of police reform in Ghana. While his tenure was marked by significant progress in addressing long-standing issues of corruption and indiscipline, it also exposed deep-seated resistance to change within the police force. The challenge for the incoming IGP, COP Yohuno, will be to navigate these competing interests while continuing the process of reform and modernization. He must build upon the foundations laid by Dampare while also addressing the concerns of those who felt marginalized or disenfranchised by his leadership style.
The transition from Dampare to Yohuno represents a critical juncture for the Ghana Police Service. The contrasting reactions to their respective leadership styles highlight the delicate balance that must be struck between enforcing discipline and fostering a sense of inclusivity and fairness within the force. The success of future reform efforts will depend on the ability of the police leadership to address the underlying issues of corruption and misconduct while also fostering a culture of professionalism, respect, and accountability. Ultimately, the goal is to create a police service that is both effective in maintaining law and order and enjoys the trust and confidence of the public it serves.
