IGP Dampare has not been removed - Ghana Police Service

Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare

The Ghana Police Service has debunked media reports stating that the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, has reportedly been asked to proceed on leave and to hand over his duties to his second-in-command, Christian Tetteh Yohuno.

In a press statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, dated June 30th, the public has been urged to disregard the reports.

The statement added that the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, remains committed to his patriotic duty of leading the Ghana Police Service as per the mandate given to him by the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Background

The dailyguidenetwork.com reported on June 30, 2024, that the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, has reportedly been asked to proceed on leave and to hand over his duties to his second-in-command, Christian Tetteh Yohuno.

According to Daily Guide, the decision to ask the IGP to proceed on leave could be linked to the 2023 leaked tape scandal, which was investigated by a parliamentary committee chaired by Abuakwa South MP, Samuel Atta Akyea.

The pro-NPP government news portal also stated that, although the findings of the Atta Akyea Committee exonerated IGP Dampare, it was revealed that the IGP had close contact with Bugri Naabu, the former NPP Northern Regional Chairman.

"His call logs indicated communication with Daniel Bugri Naabu, but he openly denied any contact with the former NPP Northern Regional Chairman," the portal reported.

This is not the first time rumours have surfaced about a potential plot to remove the current IGP.

In July 2023, the then Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, was compelled to publicly state that there were no plans to remove the IGP after rumours suggested that the NPP government was considering a change in the leadership of the Police Service.

"I think that you should dismiss it with the contempt it deserves. There is no plot to remove anyone; I am unaware of any such plans. As far as I am concerned, he is performing his duties," Ambrose Dery declared at the time.

Read the full statement from the Ghana Police Service below: