A Security Policy Expert at the Centre for Security Dialogue and Peace, Mr. Anthony Acquaye has addressed concerns surrounding the appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP). This decision replaces Dr. George Akuffo Dampare is the head of the Ghana Police Service. Some critics have questioned the president’s authority to appoint or remove heads of security agencies, sparking a heated public debate.
Speaking to Nana Dogbey on Ahotor FM, Mr. Acquaye clarified that President John Dramani Mahama acted well within the provisions of the 1992 Constitution. He emphasized that the president, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Chairman of the National Security Council, holds the constitutional mandate to make such appointments.
“The president has not breached any provisions of the 1992 Constitution. As the first gentleman of the land, the Constitution explicitly grants him the authority to appoint leaders within the security services, including the Ghana Police Service,” Mr. Acquaye explained.
He further noted that the president’s actions align with his responsibilities to ensure effective leadership and operational efficiency within the security sector. According to Mr. Acquaye, these decisions are crucial for maintaining national security and should not be misconstrued as overstepping constitutional boundaries.
The debate over the appointment underscores broader questions about the balance of power and the independence of security institutions. However, Mr. Acquaye’s analysis reiterates the legal foundation that supports the president’s authority, thereby dispelling claims of constitutional violations.
The appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu is expected to bring fresh leadership to the Ghana Police Service as the nation continues to grapple with complex security challenges.
Security Policy Expert Mr. Anthony Acquaye has weighed in on the ongoing lawsuit filed by Professor Kwesi Aning and Imani Africa concerning the removal of security heads during changes in government. Speaking Nana Dogbey on Ahotor FM, Mr. Acquaye described the legal action as a step in the right direction but lamented the widespread misinterpretation of its purpose by sections of the media and the public.
According to him, the lawsuit has been mistakenly linked to the recent dismissal of Dr. George Akuffo Dampare as Inspector General of Police (IGP). However, he clarified that the case predates the current developments and is not solely focused on the IGP. Instead, it seeks clarity from the Supreme Court regarding the constitutional framework governing the removal of security heads during transitions of government.
“The lawsuit isn’t about the specific removal of the current IGP. It’s about addressing a larger issue—whether it is constitutional for all security heads to be dismissed whenever there’s a change in government,” Mr. Acquaye explained.
He further noted that the suit raises critical questions about security sector stability and the independence of these institutions. “The aim is for the Supreme Court to interpret provisions of the Constitution that have remained silent on the matter, particularly when it involves the tenure and removal of security heads,” he added.
On the specific case of the IGP, Mr. Acquaye argued that Dr. Dampare’s age and service period do not violate retirement regulations. However, he maintained that the president, John Dramani Mahama, acted within his constitutional rights to appoint a new IGP, COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and Chairman of the National Security Council.
The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its ruling on the matter by May 9th, a decision that could set a significant precedent for future administrations. However, Mr. Acquaye emphasized that the ruling will not alter the current appointment of the new IGP, as it is firmly grounded in the president’s constitutional mandate.
This development highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining institutional independence and ensuring effective governance within Ghana’s security sector. The Supreme Court’s verdict is anticipated to provide much-needed clarity on this sensitive issue.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
