Growing dissension over police shake-up

There is reported dissension among some top officials within the police service following the recent shake-up by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Even though many of the officials affected by the re-shuffle are tight-lipped, credible sources close to Joy News indicate that some of the personnel are suspicions of ill motive while others are uncertain about their newly assigned roles resulting from unclear mandates.

There has been a major re-shuffle in the Police Service following a March 27 correspondence signed by the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan.

Key among the new portfolios are DCOP David Ampah-Bennin who moves from Technical Services to become the Director-General of the Department of Public Affairs, while ACP Angwutogbe Awuni current Commander of the Police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) becomes Director-General of the newly created Motor Traffic and Transport Department at the Police Headquarters.

Others include ACOP Timothy Bonga Yoosa, formerly the MTTU Divisional Commander now superintending all MTTU operations in the country, and DCOP Kofi Boakye heading to the Western region as the new Commander.

In an interview with Joy News’ Eric Ahianyo however, Acting Director of Public Affairs, DSP Cephas Arthur debunked any ill motives, but acknowledged the likelihood of some disappointment was natural. He however stressed the need for such periodic institutional changes to ensure efficiency.

“There is the need for such occasional changes and reviews. These new portfolio are meant to strengthen the police institution and make it more efficient," he noted.

Reacting to reported disgruntled personnel, Mr. Cephas Arthur noted that reshuffles in political circles or at institutional levels are not always favourable to all the personnel involved. However because “the over ridding interest is the efficient running of the institutions”, it is expected that professionals adjust accordingly.