Leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ayikoi Otoo, has defended the recent removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare, arguing that the widespread excitement that followed was a clear indication of dissatisfaction within the police service.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, he questioned whether an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the IGP’s dismissal was a sign that he had effectively served the force.
“I don’t regret anything… But if the whole group, everybody is happy that you have been removed, do you think you served them well?” he asked. According to Otoo, the former IGP’s tenure may have been viewed favorably by the public, but within the police force, officers were eager to see him leave.
While some credited the ex-IGP with restoring discipline and improving the image of the Ghana Police Service, Otoo dismissed these achievements as “optics.” He argued that true leadership should focus on the well-being and morale of officers, rather than just public perception.
“There was talk about him improving the image of the police, but those are optics. As to whether that improved service conditions and the welfare of officers is another matter altogether,” he noted.
Otoo further suggested that the government had long considered removing the IGP, pointing to the appointment of a Deputy IGP as a clear signal that leadership change was imminent. He criticized how the responsibilities of the deputy were structured, arguing that a second-in-command should have had full authority to assist the IGP instead of being restricted to certain roles.
“When the deputy IGP was appointed, it was a signal that somebody was being prepared to take over… People wanted him removed, and our government was expected to act,” he stated.
On the appointment of the new IGP, Ayikoi Otoo expressed confidence in his qualifications, highlighting his years of experience in different leadership roles within the police service. However, he emphasized that true leadership is not about imposing authority but about listening to subordinates and fostering cooperation.
“Leadership is not about the leader, it’s about those being led. One man cannot claim to have all the wisdom in this world,” he stated, suggesting that the former IGP’s downfall was his unwillingness to engage with his officers effectively.
