Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr has praised former Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare for his significant impact on policing in Ghana, while noting that the tenure of current IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, recently extended by two years, has yet to show any striking developments.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Mr. Pratt said Dampare brought a disciplined approach to law enforcement that resonated nationwide.
He recalled that Dampare insisted laws applied to everyone, including ministers and MPs who were arrested for breaking traffic regulations. “While the stance earned him critics,” Pratt argued, “it strengthened public confidence.”
Pratt also raised concerns about internal divisions that emerged under Dampare, citing an incident on the day of his retirement when some officers reportedly celebrated at the Police Headquarters by handing out GH¢200 notes. He described such factional behaviour as unhealthy for a security institution and harmful to command structures.
On the current IGP, Pratt observed that Yohuno’s leadership has so far been quiet and without major defining moments. He added that this lack of drama could also be advantageous, as stability in a sensitive security agency is valuable.
Pratt suggested that President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to extend Yohuno’s tenure might be aimed at easing competition within the service over succession. “I don’t know why the President extended his tenure, but if it’s to deal with the competition over who takes over, then I must commend him,” he said.
Despite ongoing debates over leadership, Pratt reaffirmed his respect for Dampare, emphasizing that the former IGP left a lasting mark on Ghana’s policing culture.
