In his first major public statement, the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, assured the President, government officials, and the Ghanaian public that his tenure would be marked by “DISCIPLINE, RESPECT FOR SENIORITY, AND UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO SERVICE DELIVERY”. While this may sound like a routine promise from a new leader, those who have followed the internal politics of the Ghana Police Service can’t help but ask:
Is this a direct response to the leadership style of his predecessor, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare?
For months—perhaps even years—there have been whispers and open grumbles within the police service about Dampare’s approach to leadership. Critics, including some high-ranking officers, accused him of sidelining senior personnel and favoring a small circle of trusted officers. Some argued that his leadership bypassed traditional police hierarchy, leading to discomfort among seasoned officers who felt undermined.
Now, with the new IGP’s emphasis on discipline and respect for seniority, it seems as though these concerns are being indirectly acknowledged. Is this a subtle way of saying, “I will do things differently from my predecessor”?
The Unspoken Criticism
It is no secret that Dampare was seen as a results-driven leader, but his methods didn’t always sit well with everyone. Some within the service felt his approach created a divide between the younger, more dynamic officers and the senior ranks who expected a level of deference. Could it be that the new IGP’s statement is an attempt to mend fences within the force?
By making discipline and respect for seniority his core message, the new IGP might be signaling a return to a more traditional command structure—one where officers follow a strict chain of command and long-serving personnel feel their experience is valued.
A New Chapter or More of the Same?
While some officers may welcome this shift in tone, others may wonder if this means a return to old bureaucratic ways that could slow down progress. Dampare, for all the criticisms, was widely regarded as a proactive leader who implemented reforms aimed at improving policing in Ghana. Will the new IGP balance the need for structure with the urgency of modern policing?
One thing is certain: the internal politics of the Ghana Police Service is far from settled. Whether this statement was meant as a gentle reassurance or a direct contrast to Dampare’s era, it has certainly fueled speculation.
As the new IGP settles into office, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see if his leadership truly reflects these promises—or if it’s just another politically correct statement with no real impact. Is this the beginning of a new era in Ghana’s policing, or just a cleverly worded public relations move? Time will tell.
Richiove Kwamina Tayor
+233246973642,
r.kwaminataylor@gmail.com
