Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has advised President John Dramani Mahama against repeating what he calls the mistakes of the previous NPP government by dismissing Dr. George Akuffo Dampare as Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Mr. Bentil, a vocal advocate for institutional stability, praised Dampare for his professionalism and effective leadership since assuming office in 2021, arguing that the IGP should remain in his post under the incoming administration.
In a Facebook post, Bentil cautioned Mahama not to follow in the footsteps of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, which, according to Bentil, wrongly dismissed former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo for performing his duties. The dismissal was later ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. “We should not become what we criticized before. Domelevo was removed for doing his job, and the Supreme Court deemed it wrong. What has the IGP done other than his job well?” Bentil wrote.
Additionally, Mr.Bentil noted that IMANI Africa had filed a case at the Supreme Court concerning the dismissal of security chiefs. The court is expected to rule on May 7, 2025, regarding the legality of removing officials such as the IGP without proper cause. “The government must respect the rule of law and await the court’s decision,” he emphasized.
Mr.Bentil concluded by urging Mahama to honor the legal process and retain Dampare, stating that any potential move to dismiss the IGP should only occur in compliance with the law. “This IGP has performed admirably, and it is in the best interest of the country to keep him in his role. If Mahama chooses to make the same mistakes as the NPP, he must at least show that he respects the rule of law and wait for the court’s ruling,” Bentil said.
Dr. Dampare, who has served as IGP since 2021, is a seasoned career police officer with five years remaining until retirement. His tenure has been marked by a reputation for professionalism, but reports of potential dismissal have sparked debate about the future of Ghana’s police leadership.
Source:TheDotNews