In a dramatic turn of events, Policy think tank IMANI Africa and security analyst Kwesi Aning jointly filed an injunction at the Supreme Court to prevent President John Dramani Mahama from dismissing the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
This move is seen as a bold attempt to block the President’s perceived intention to sack the IGP, who has been in the news lately for his unpopular decisions in the police service.
However, the action did not move the president from dismissing Dampare.
The injunction, filed at the Supreme Court, sought to challenge the President’s authority to terminate the appointment of key public officers without proven misconduct.
According to the plaintiffs, the removal of the IGP, along with other heads of uniformed security services, should only occur in cases of established misconduct or misbehavior.
They argue that the President does not have the power to make fresh appointments to these positions unless the current officeholders are deceased, incapacitated, or have resigned.
The motion for an interlocutory injunction was filed on March 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the Supreme Court.
The plaintiffs were seeking an order to restrain the Attorney-General, the President, and the respective councils of the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service, National Fire Service, and Ghana Prisons Service from removing, terminating, dismissing, or suspending the heads of these services pending the final determination of the case.
This legal action underscores the ongoing debate over the President’s powers and the need for constitutional clarity in the appointment and removal of key public officers.
The case has been adjourned by the Supreme Court, with the Attorney-General given seven days to file a defence.
-Issah Olegor
