Five things Ghanaians will remember Dampare for

COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu has assumed office as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) following his swearing-in by President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, March 14, 2025, replacing Dr George Akuffo Dampare, who served as IGP from 2021 to 2025.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the president commended the former IGP for his professionalism and commitment to national security.

“Dr Dampare has served the nation with dedication and commitment, and his contribution to law enforcement and national security will not be forgotten. We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours," he stated.

The tenure of Dr Dampare witnessed some notable developments and controversies.

While there were a number of events that defined his tenure, GhanaWeb takes a look at some 5 things Ghanaians will remember him for.

Renovation of Police Headquarters

While Dr Dampare oversaw a number of infrastructure upgrades during his tenure, one of the most notable was the renovation of the Police Headquarters in Accra, along with the upgrade of several facilities of the police to enhance the image of the service and ultimately improve working conditions for officers.

Centralisation of Police Communications

During his tenure, police communications was centralised as part of efforts to streamline information flow and prevent miscommunication.

However, this development faced public backlash as many saw the initiative as limiting the work of some police officers trained to handle police communications.

Launch of Ghana Police TV

During the tenure of Dr Dampare, the Police TV was introduced in 2023 to create awareness about police operations, improve public engagements and educate the public about law enforcement matters.

Police Promotions Controversy

On May 15, 2023, 82 police officers sued Dr Dampare for failing to promote them.

According to them, they were unfairly denied promotions despite completing their studies during the 2017/2018 academic year.

Leaked Tape Saga

On July 11, 2023, a leaked audio recording allegedly involving a police commissioner and a politician discussing a plot to remove IGP Dampare from office, ahead of the 2024 general election, flooded social media.

Subsequently, Parliament established a committee to investigate the matter.

After some months of hearings, the former IGP was exonerated by the committee, and it also concluded that three of the police officers: COP Alex Mensah (rtd), Superintendent George Lysander Asare, and Superintendent Eric Emmanuel Gyebi, breached section 17(d) Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350) and Regulation 82 (1)(c) of the Police Service Regulations, 2012 (C.I. 76).

Public Engagements in Informal Settings

The former IGP was also recognised for his humane approach to policing and his interactions with the public in informal settings, such as playing draughts, engaging with school children, among others.

Dr Dampare was appointed by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2021, taking over from James Oppong-Boanuh, who had served since October 2019.

He was the youngest IGP appointed in the Fourth Republic and the eighth youngest since Ghana gained independence.

JKB/AE

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