Spokesperson for the president, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has defended President John Mahama’s decision to replace Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare with Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohunu.

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He stated that the move does not imply any wrongdoing on Dampare’s part.

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"An IGP does not have to have done something wrong before being replaced. This is not the first time in Ghana's history that an IGP has been replaced, and it certainly won’t be the last," he stated in an interview with the media on Thursday.

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"COP Dr. Akuffo Dampare himself was appointed to replace someone. So, I see no reason why a specific wrongdoing must be committed before a new IGP can be appointed," he added.

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Mr. Kwakye Ofosu further pointed out that Article 202 of the 1992 Constitution empowers the president to appoint an IGP in consultation with the Council of State, and that is exactly what President Mahama has done.

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He asserted that Yohunu is the most qualified candidate at this moment, having demonstrated throughout his 40-year career the expertise needed to lead the Ghana Police Service into a modern and transformed institution.

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Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged that Dampare is widely respected for his leadership and reforms within the Ghana Police Service, which have earned him public admiration. However, he explained that appointing Yohunu as the new IGP is simply an exercise of the president’s constitutional authority.

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Some Ghanaians had hoped that Mahama would retain Dampare despite his appointment by former President Akufo-Addo. However, Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that such decisions are solely at the president’s discretion.

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He also noted that while many admire Dampare, that should not prevent the president from making necessary changes if he believes they will strengthen the Ghana Police Service or any other institution.

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"First of all, Yohunu is the most senior officer available and has consistently proven his capability over the years. His extensive experience and leadership make him the right choice to drive the transformation of the Ghana Police Service," he stated.

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The announcement of Yohunu’s appointment on March 13, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s law enforcement landscape as the Mahama administration implements changes to key security institutions.

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His rise to Ghana’s top police position is backed by a strong educational background and extensive practical experience, aligning with Articles 91 and 202 of the 1992 Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State.

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The appointment comes at a crucial time when the Ghana Police Service is undergoing significant reforms, and Yohunu’s vast experience positions him as a strategic choice to lead these transformation efforts.

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An IGP does not need to have committed any wrongdoing to be replaced... - Felix Kwakye Ofosu on IGP Dampare's removal from officeNews Anchor: Awisi Dede (@AwisiDede)#GHOneNews #EIBNetwork #GHOneTV #NewsAlert pic.twitter.com/7jzbRsqeIx— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) March 14, 2025

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