According to a report from GhanaWeb, the Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has criticized the frequent practice of replacing Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) whenever a new government takes office.
His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s recent decision to replace Dr. George Akuffo Dampare with Christian Tetteh Yohuno, despite Dampare having six years remaining until his retiremen
Addressing the media in Parliament, Rev. Ntim Fordjour voiced his concerns about political interference in leadership transitions within Ghana’s security services.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity in leadership to strengthen institutions and foster professionalism within the security sector.
He highlighted that various security agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Fire Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and Ghana Armed Forces, are staffed by professionals dedicated to their duties.
He called on both the NPP and NDC to reduce political influence in the appointment and removal of these security heads, especially when their terms have not yet expired.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour underscored the importance of institutional trust and urged political parties to adopt a governance approach that respects the tenures of security leaders, regardless of which party is in power.
He argued that respecting the full terms of security leaders such as IGPs or Chiefs of Defence Staff would promote professionalism, enhance trust in governance, and strengthen the integrity of Ghana’s security institutions.
According to him, this approach would ultimately lead to more effective security agencies and contribute positively to national security and governance.