The Untouchable Guardian: Why John Mahama Must Not Remove The Igp

In the annals of governance, the rule of law stands as the cornerstone of democratic integrity. It is the bulwark that separates constitutional order from executive lawlessness. Ghana, as a democracy, must uphold its legal foundations by ensuring that security institutions are protected from political interference. One of the gravest abuses of power in our democratic history has been the arbitrary removal of Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) by successive governments. If leaders have flouted the law in the past, it does not mean we must continue this cycle of impunity. The time has come for Ghana to break free from this constitutional violation, and a potential John Mahama presidency must respect the legal framework governing the tenure of the IGP.

Ghana's 1992 Constitution is explicit on the appointment and tenure of security service heads. Article 202(1) states that the IGP is appointed by the President in consultation with the Council of State. However, the law does not grant the President unfettered authority to remove the IGP at will. The removal must be based on just cause, which has been consistently ignored by successive governments.

This blatant disregard for the law has led to instability in the Ghana Police Service, eroding its professionalism and institutional memory. The arbitrary dismissal of IGPs whenever a new administration assumes office is an abuse of executive power that must be stopped.

To settle this matter beyond dispute, a case was filed in the Supreme Court last year to clarify whether a sitting IGP can be removed at the pleasure of a new government. The judgment is expected on May 7, 2025. Until the Supreme Court makes its pronouncement, any attempt to replace the IGP would be contemptuous and an affront to judicial independence.

A democratic government that respects the separation of powers must wait for the legal process to conclude before taking any action. Any removal of the IGP before the ruling would amount to executive interference in a live court matter, a dangerous precedent that could undermine Ghana’s democracy.

Ghana’s Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845) outlines which government officials must vacate their positions when a new administration takes over. Nowhere in the Act is the IGP classified as a political appointee subject to removal upon a change of government.

Unlike ministers, presidential staffers, and other political appointees who serve at the President’s pleasure, the IGP holds a ranked professional office. His removal must therefore follow due process and not political convenience. If Mahama, or any future President, dismisses an IGP arbitrarily, it would amount to a constitutional breach that invites judicial sanctions.

Security governance in advanced democracies underscores the importance of police independence. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the African Union Peace and Security Council advocate for an autonomous police service free from political manipulation.

In Canada and the United Kingdom, for instance, police chiefs are appointed through a transparent process and enjoy tenure security unless they violate professional ethics. In Germany, the independence of the police is enshrined in law, preventing politicians from using security institutions as tools for regime protection. Ghana must align itself with these global best practices to enhance police professionalism and public trust.

Civil society organizations like IMANI Africa, the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), and the Africa Centre for Security and Counter-Terrorism have consistently opposed political interference in the Ghana Police Service.

IMANI Ghana, which has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, argues that the IGP is not a direct subordinate of the President under the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350). Rather, the Police Council, chaired by the Vice President, exercises oversight responsibility over the police administration. The President cannot unilaterally remove the IGP without following due process as required under the Police Service Act.

Political interference in police leadership weakens public confidence in law enforcement. If every President removes an IGP based on partisan considerations, the police will lose their credibility as neutral enforcers of the law.

History has shown that countries that allow politics to infiltrate security institutions suffer dire consequences. In Nigeria, the frequent dismissal of police chiefs for political reasons has led to systemic corruption, inefficiency, and loss of public trust. Ghana must learn from these experiences and protect its police leadership from undue political influence.

With the case pending before the Supreme Court, any attempt to remove the IGP before judgment would amount to contempt of court. The judiciary’s authority must not be undermined by executive overreach. The principle of sub judice prohibits any party from taking action that preempts an ongoing judicial determination.

Moreover, if the IGP himself agrees to step down before the court’s ruling, he too would be complicit in this legal transgression. Every state institution must respect judicial processes, and patience must be exercised until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict.

Successive governments have used security appointments as tools of political patronage. Under the Fourth Republic, almost every new administration has removed the IGP to install a politically aligned replacement. This practice undermines national security by weakening police independence.

Mahama has a chance to break this cycle. By respecting the legal framework governing the IGP’s tenure, he can signal his commitment to institutional stability and democratic governance.

If Mahama removes the IGP without just cause, he would be setting a precedent that his successors will exploit. What stops future Presidents from continuing this pattern of political dismissals? A nation that allows such arbitrary actions will never achieve stability in its security sector.

Frequent changes in IGPs disrupt long-term security strategies. The tenure of an IGP should not be tied to political transitions but rather to performance and professional conduct. A stable police leadership allows for better crime-fighting strategies, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement effectiveness.

Ghana is facing rising security threats, including armed robbery, cybercrime, and cross-border terrorism. At such a critical time, the country needs stability in its security leadership. Arbitrary dismissals will only weaken law enforcement and embolden criminal networks.

The international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, and Ghana’s development partners, closely monitors governance issues. A politically motivated removal of the IGP could damage Ghana’s democratic credentials and affect international security cooperation.

Parliament must exercise its oversight function to prevent executive excesses. The Appointments Committee and security-related committees must insist that police leadership is insulated from political interference. A motion should be passed to reinforce the legal protection of the IGP’s tenure.

Rather than removing the IGP for political reasons, the focus should be on strengthening police accountability, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving community policing. A reform agenda should prioritize meritocracy over political patronage.

John Mahama, if elected, must resist the urge to tamper with the leadership of the Ghana Police Service. The IGP is not a political appointee who should be replaced at the whims of a new government. With a Supreme Court ruling imminent, the rule of law must be respected.

The police serve the people of Ghana, not political parties. If Mahama wants to be remembered as a leader who upheld democracy, he must leave the IGP alone and set a precedent for future administrations. Security is not a game—let the law prevail!

If the NDC government really meant the slogan of RESETTING AGENDA OF GHANA then JDM must be ready to diverse from the old norm of abusing

the laws in the appointment of IGP by politicians.

By:
ZAKARI GUA JNR. a.k.a Scorpio 🦂
SECURITY AND JUSTICE ⚖️ ADVOCATE
Email:[email protected]