The outgoing Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, was not present when President John Dramani Mahama met with the heads of various state security institutions who have been relieved of their posts, on Monday, March 17, 2025.

In a post shared around 3 PM on Monday, the president specifically mentioned three out of the four security chiefs whom he has replaced following his election and inauguration.

“I am grateful to have met with outgoing service commanders Isaac Kofi Egyir (Prisons), Julius A. Kuunuor (Fire), and Kwame Asuah Takyi (Immigration) to express my sincere appreciation for their dedicated service to Ghana,” the president wrote.

In March 2025, President John Dramani Mahama initiated a significant overhaul of Ghana’s security sector leadership since taking office for his second term on January 7, 2025.

This restructuring began with the removal of Dr George Akuffo Dampare as Inspector General of Police (IGP) on March 13, 2025, replaced by Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who was sworn in the following day.

The move sparked varied reactions, with some police personnel reportedly celebrating Dampare’s exit amid allegations of favoritism and operational grievances, though a legal challenge by IMANI Ghana and security expert, Professor Kwesi Aning, sought to block such removals pending a Supreme Court ruling in May 2025.

The shake-up extended to other security institutions on March 14, 2025, when Mahama appointed new heads for the Ghana Prisons Service, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).

Patience Baffoe-Bonnie replaced Isaac Kofi Egyir as Director-General of the Prisons Service, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong succeeded Julius A. Kuunuor as Chief Fire Officer, and Samuel Basintale took over from Kwame Asuah Takyi as Comptroller-General of Immigration.

These changes, announced via a presidency statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, were made under Articles 91 and 202 of the 1992 Constitution, following Council of State consultations.

Meanwhile, pictures accompanying President John Dramani Mahama’s post on Monday confirm that Dr George Akuffo Dampare, whose removal has courted controversies and varied reactions, was not present at the meeting.

However, it is yet to be clear what may have caused the absence of the former police chief.