Meet the individuals who have served as IGPs under the Fourth Republic

President John Dramani Mahama has officially dismissed Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare from his position and appointed COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as his successor.

As his tenure comes to an end, Dampare joins a distinguished group of former Inspectors General of Police who have had the privilege of serving in that capacity.

The role of the IGP is a significant responsibility, requiring individuals appointed to the position to oversee and manage the operations and administration of the entire police force.

With the appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who is expected to bring fresh ideas to improve the police force, GhanaWeb takes a look at the former IGPs who have served under the Fourth Republic.

J.Y.A. Kwofie

Kwofie was appointed Inspector General of Police by former President Jerry John Rawlings, serving from January 1990 to September 1996.



Peter Tenganabang Nanfuri

The late Peter Nanfuri succeeded J.Y.A. Kwofie as IGP and became the longest-serving Director of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).

He was appointed on October 1, 1996, by J.J. Rawlings and left office on January 21, 2001, following his dismissal by former President John Agyekum Kufuor shortly after assuming office.

During his tenure, he faced immense pressure due to the serial killings of women in the country at the time.

Nanfuri was widely recognised for his significant contributions to the police service, particularly for improving working conditions for officers across all ranks.

He was also known for promoting professionalism within the force by enforcing the Police Code of Conduct.

After leaving the service, he was enskinned as the Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area with the title Naa Anoleh Ganaa II in 2005.

He passed away in February 2023 at the age of 80.

Ernest Owusu-Poku

Owusu-Poku joined the police service in July 1965. He succeeded Peter Nanfuri as IGP and was appointed by President Kufuor on January 22, 2001.

Before his appointment as IGP, he served as the Director of Passports at the Passports Office.

He retired on July 21, 2001, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.

Nana Owusu-Nsiah

Nana Owusu-Nsiah was appointed IGP on July 22, 2001, and served for four years before retiring in March 2005.

Following his retirement, he was appointed as Ghana’s Ambassador to Israel in 2006.



Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong

Kwarteng held various key positions before being appointed IGP in March 2005.

As Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), he played a crucial role in the capture of Charles Quansah, a notorious serial murderer who had evaded arrest for years.

He retired from the role in January 2009.



Elizabeth Mills-Robertson

Mills-Robertson made history as the first and only woman to serve as Inspector General of Police. Despite her brief tenure as acting IGP, she held the position from January 2009 to May 2009, when a substantive IGP was appointed.

Paul Tawiah Quaye

Quaye was sworn into office in May 2009 after his appointment as IGP.

He was widely regarded as an exemplary leader, credited with improving the police service’s responsiveness to security issues.

However, he faced criticism, particularly from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who called for his resignation over concerns about his inability to curb lawlessness.

He eventually resigned and left office in February 2013.



Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan

Alhassan was promoted from Deputy IGP to succeed his former boss, Paul Tawiah Quaye, in February 2013.

During his tenure, he faced challenges, including two major jailbreak incidents in 2015, one in the Volta Region and another in the Ashanti Region.

In Denu, seven prisoners escaped, taking with them two AK-47 rifles belonging to police officers at the station. However, three of them were later re-arrested.

Despite these challenges, Alhassan was widely respected for his high standards, proactivity, and transformative leadership.

Due to his contributions, his tenure was extended for two years, even though he had reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.

His tenure saw innovative reforms, including the Police Command and Staff College, the Visibility, Accessibility, and Patrol Department, and the Formed Police Unit. He left office in November 2015.

John Kudalor

Kudalor was appointed acting IGP in November 2015 by then-President John Dramani Mahama.

He was known for implementing structural changes within the police leadership. He retired in January 2017.



David Asante-Apeatu

Asante-Apeatu was appointed Inspector General of Police in February 2017 by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

His tenure faced scrutiny, particularly after the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, where six people were injured in shootings.

However, he was recognized for disciplining police officers who engaged in misconduct.

President Akufo-Addo relieved him of his duties on July 22, 2019.



James Oppong-Boanuh

Oppong-Boanuh took office as IGP in October 2019.

During his tenure, he interdicted a police officer for keeping a suspect in custody for nine days, a violation of police regulations.

He retired in August 2021 and handed over the position to Dampare.



George Akuffo Dampare

Dampare was appointed IGP in August 2021 and is widely credited for transforming the Ghana Police Service.

Many praised his leadership qualities and his ability to enhance security across the country.

In recognition of his contributions, he received a presidential honor from former President Akufo-Addo for Distinguished Service on behalf of the Ghana Police Service.

He has now been relieved of his duties, with his successor set to take over.

MAG/MA

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