Dampare is Ghana’s worst IGP; he was autocratic — ACP Agordzo

ACP Agordzo [left] and IGP Dampare

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Dr. Benjamin Agordzo has described Dr. George Akuffo Dampare as the worst Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Ghana’s history, accusing him of autocratic leadership in the police service.

In an interview with TV3 on December 11, 2024, ACP Dr. Agordzo alleged that Dampare’s leadership style significantly contributed to the unpopularity of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) among police officers, which, he claims, influenced their voting decisions in the December 7 general elections.

"I will always say this is the worst IGP we have ever seen in this country. Can you imagine an IGP promoting people without the promotion board? Or transferring officers without a transfer board?" Dr. Agordzo questioned.

He further accused Dr. Dampare of being vindictive, stating that officers perceived to be close to senior officers who were not in the IGP’s good books were subjected to unfair transfers.

Dr. Agordzo also criticized Dampare for alleged favoritism, claiming that the IGP promoted some officers rapidly while sidelining others.

He referenced an example of a young officer who rose from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Chief Superintendent within three years, bypassing more senior officers.

"Now senior officers have to salute juniors who have suddenly risen above them in rank. This has created frustration and disillusionment in the service," he said.

Dr. Agordzo indicated that over 80% of police officers voted against the NPP in the recent elections due to dissatisfaction with Dampare’s leadership style.

The retired officer also highlighted the unprecedented number of lawsuits filed by police officers against Dampare over issues of promotions and transfers.

He described this as indicative of the widespread dissatisfaction within the police force under Dampare’s tenure.

"The police personnel are so disillusioned, so depressed, so fed up with the IGP, and they have spoken. There are a lot of cases in court right now against the IGP," he stated.