Story: Reuben Sackey
Former United Nations Governance Advisor, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah has jumped to the defence of President John Dramani Mahama for replacing former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Damapare with COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu.
According to the co-founder of CDD-Ghana there was nothing wrong with the President Mahama’s decision to change the IGP.
On Friday, March 14, 2025, President Mahama removed Dr George Akuffo Dampare as IGP, and in his place named Christian Tetteh Yohonu.
Commenting on the decision in an interview with Today on Sunday, March 16, 2025, Prof. Agyeman-Duah justified President Mahama’s decision, asserting that leadership changes, including the appointment of the IGP, were a normal part of governance and should not be seen as problematic.
“I find nothing wrong with the president changing the police IGP, and even the CDS if he decides to do so – it happens,” he said while discussing the dismissal of Dr Dampare.
He added, “any president coming into power will naturally want top officers who align with his vision of leadership. You cannot dispute that. Look at what has happened in the US and other countries.”
His comments followed the sudden change in the Police hierarchy which has sparked mixed reactions, with some members of the public and law enforcement officers openly celebrating the transition.
However, Professor Agyeman-Duah also cautioned that “Every president must be very conscious and sensitive when making such moves because, if the wrong decisions are made, they can disrupt the system.”
