Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary Nana Ohene Ntow has praised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, for the exceptional security arrangements during the December 7 elections. He noted that the IGP’s comprehensive plan ensured the country’s safety and prevented potential disruptions.

Speaking on TV3 on Saturday, December 14, Nana Ohene Ntow emphasised that the IGP demonstrated boldness and expertise despite the immense pressure surrounding the elections.

He added that political parties were impressed with the effective measures put in place. Nana Ohene Ntow urged Ghanaians to commend the IGP for his efforts in maintaining peace and order during the polls.

“To be frank, Ghanaians must stand up for Dampare. His security arrangements and strategic planning saved this country. But for him and his team, this country would have probably tipped over.

We saw how some recalcitrant soldiers behaved, but Dampare insisted that the only time the military would be officially deployed would be under his instruction, and he stayed committed to his promise. God bless him for the work he did,” Nana Ohene Ntow noted.

He urged Ghanaians to commend leaders when they leave above expectation, just as they condemn leaders who underperform.

Meanwhile, Professor Ransford Gyampo, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has defended the IGP against recent criticisms by ACP Dr Benjamin Agordzo, describing the comments as unwarranted and unfair.

Speaking on Thursday, Professor Gyampo commended the IGP for his transformative leadership of the Ghana Police Service, which he believes has significantly elevated the institution’s reputation and effectiveness.

“The above is unfair and unfortunate. Respectfully, even though there’s freedom of speech, it doesn’t lie in the mouth of my respected retired police officer to be saying these,” Professor Gyampo remarked.

He stressed Dr Dampare’s achievements, including his resilience in office despite challenges, his unwavering commitment to fairness during the recent elections, and his bold defiance of orders that conflicted with his principles as a law enforcement officer.

Professor Gyampo credited the IGP with changing the face of policing in Ghana, noting that he has garnered widespread praise, including from opposition parties, for his impartiality and professionalism.

“This is the only IGP who has survived the plot of removal by his appointing authority for doing his work well. He is the only IGP who could stop the planned massive deployment of soldiers to confuse some voting centres in the just-ended elections,” he stated, adding that Dampare’s reforms have been widely felt across the country.