Media Personnel, Afia Pokua also known as Vim Lady has revealed that it was obvious that President John Dramani Mahama was not going to work with the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare.
According to Afia Pokua, the former IGP Dampare should have resigned right after Mahama won.
He noted that due to Dampare’s ties to the previous government, the Mahama administration was not going to work with him.
Speaking on her show, Gyaso Gyaso, Afia Pokua stated, “Dampare should have resigned right after Mahama won. It was obvious that Mahama’s administration wouldn’t work with him because of his ties to the previous government”.
Vim Lady further quizzed the Ghana Police Service on after they suddenly announced that an arrest had been made in their quest to solve the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.
According to the Police, the suspect was a close friend of Ahmed Suale and had been accused of selling him out to a popular politician in Ghana by releasing his photos before her murder.
Vim Lady asked, “How is it that the case remained stagnant for years, and suddenly, as soon as a new IGP takes over, there is movement?
“Did the police already have this information and just sat on it while Dampare was in charge?” she questioned.
“The police service is a decentralized institution, but Dampare weakened the structure to centralize everything around himself. That was always going to cause problems,” she further asserted.
It will be recalled during the former IGP Dampare’s tenure, police communications were centralized as part of efforts to rationalise information flow and stop miscommunication.
Dampare’s move faced a public backlash with many questioning the move as restricting the work of police officers trained to handle police communications.
Meanwhile, Former IGP Dampare in a heartfelt statement issued on March 14, 2025, just hours after Christian Tetteh Yohuno was sworn in as the new IGP, Dr. Dampare reflected on his service, acknowledging the overwhelming love, encouragement, and prayers from the Ghanaian people.
“From the depths of my heart, I thank God and every Ghanaian who believed in me, supported me, and prayed for me. Your blessings have been my strength,” he said.
Despite his abrupt exit, the former IGP maintained a gracious tone, extending his appreciation to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for entrusting him with the position, which made him the youngest IGP in the Fourth Republic.
He also acknowledged President John Dramani Mahama for their brief but professional working relationship.
Dr. Dampare did not hold back in recognizing the unwavering support from religious and traditional leaders, security agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners who stood by him throughout his leadership.
Looking back on his remarkable 35-year journey in the Ghana Police Service—rising from a General Constable to the highest office in the force—he expressed pride in his legacy. “I have given my all to the service of this nation, and I leave with my head held high,” he declared.
At nearly 55 years old, Dampare made it clear that his journey is far from over. “I remain energetic, disciplined, and committed to serving my beloved Ghana with honour and integrity,” he affirmed.
