Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has come under fire from retired senior police officer ACP Benjamin Agordzo for controlling traffic during former President John Dramani Mahama's inauguration on January 7, 2025, according to a Ghana Web article on Thursday, January 09.

While officers were deployed for the event, which took place in Black Star Square, Dr. Dampare got out of his vehicle to control traffic.


The act has been criticized as a publicity stunt by some, while others have praised it as a show of leadership. Calling the action "a shameful display," the Forum for Development and Accountable Governance (FDAG) charged that the IGP was taking advantage of the situation to forward its own agenda.

"This is not about leadership but an orchestrated campaign to retain his position," FDAG said in a statement.

ACP Agordzo echoed these sentiments, accusing Dr. Dampare of engaging in "public theatrics" to win favor with the incoming National Democratic Congress administration. In a Facebook post on January 8, he described the gesture as an act of desperation.

"Those who have eyes can see what Dampare is about. This kind of 'eye service' aimed at catching the attention of the NDC leadership is shameful," he wrote.

Critics argue that such acts detract from addressing critical challenges such as rising crime rates.

Calls for new leadership within the Ghana Police Service have intensified, with detractors urging a change toward more effective strategies to restore public trust and order.