Dampare stood for discipline, but It didn’t make him friends — Prof. Kwesi Aning

Security Analyst Prof. Kwesi Aning has shared his perspective on the mixed reactions within the Ghana Police Service following the appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP).

According to him, the jubilant scenes at the Police Headquarters reflect the impact of former IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare’s leadership, which prioritized discipline and professionalism.

“What it means is that this is an individual and an officer who has transformed the service and made sure that the corruption, the clannism, and the network that allowed people to take the law into their own hands simply did not work again,” Prof. Aning stated during an interview on Channel One TV.

He further explained that Dampare’s no-nonsense approach to law enforcement naturally alienated some officers. “When you stand up for discipline and for professionalism, you don’t make friends,” he added.

Following COP Yohuno’s swearing-in, videos emerged showing police officers at the headquarters celebrating his appointment with loud cheers, enthusiastic welcomes, and even spraying money—a clear display of their excitement.

However, amid the celebrations, some officers openly criticized Dampare, branding him a “tyrant” and a “dictator.” They claimed that his removal had “freed” the police service, hinting at internal dissatisfaction with his leadership style.

Dampare’s tenure was marked by major reforms aimed at curbing corruption and enforcing strict discipline within the police force. While some officers may have felt constrained under his leadership, others acknowledge his efforts in restoring professionalism in the service.

-MyNewsGH