Ranking Member for the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour

The Ranking Member for the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has condemned the frequent removal of Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) whenever a new government assumes office.

His remarks follow the recent replacement of Dr. George Akuffo Dampare with Christian Tetteh Yohuno by President John Dramani Mahama, despite Dampare having six years left before retirement.

Speaking to the media in Parliament, Rev. Ntim Fordjour expressed concerns over political interference in security leadership transitions, advocating for continuity in security appointments to strengthen institutions and enhance professionalism within the security services.

“We have the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Fire Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces. These professionals serve with dedication and a deep sense of professionalism. It is crucial that governments, both NPP and NDC, minimize interference in the appointment and removal of security heads whose tenures have not expired,” he stated.

He stressed the need for institutional trust, urging both major political parties to uphold a governance culture that allows security heads to serve their full terms, irrespective of which party is in power.

“If the NPP or NDC assumes office while an IGP, Chief of Defence Staff, or head of a security agency is still serving their tenure, they should be allowed to complete it. This will promote professionalism, strengthen our security institutions, and enhance trust in the governance system,” he added.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour further argued that ensuring stability in security leadership would improve the integrity and effectiveness of Ghana’s security agencies, ultimately benefiting national security and governance.

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