Retired Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah has stated that Dr George Akuffo Dampare’s career in the Ghana Police Service has effectively ended following his removal as Inspector General of Police (IGP) even before he reaches the retirement age.
Speaking on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, COP Mensah explained that the IGP position is the highest rank in the Service, and once an officer is removed from it, there is no further role for them unless reassigned by the government.
“He can no longer be in the Service because he has been removed unless the government decides to reassign him,” he stated.
Dr George Akuffo Dampare’
When asked about his assessment of Dr Dampare’s leadership, he was critical, saying, “His tenure wasn’t impressive, and I have said that before. If there is someone we need to talk about, it is the new one, not him. He is in the past, he is an ex. He did nothing.”COP Mensah also noted that reported celebrations among some police officers following Dampare’s removal reflect dissatisfaction within the Service.
“There is no personal issue between us, but the police personnel can testify. Why do you think people are jubilating? He has done his part, and the time is up for him to go. He was not the first and won’t be the last,” he added.
President John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, appointed COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new IGP, replacing Dr. Dampare.
The appointment, announced by the Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, was made in consultation with the Council of State.
With 40 years of service, COP Yohuno is expected to lead the modernization and transformation of the Ghana Police Service.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will be sworn in today, March 14, 2025, at a ceremony at Jubilee House.
COP George Alex Mensah was once accused of working with some persons to plot the ousting of COP Dampare under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
President Mahama has removed IGP Dampare and appointed COP Yohuno as the new IGP, effective March 14th. The move is part of broader security sector reforms.
Christian Tetteh Yohuno, widely recognized as a crime-fighting stalwart, has been married and has consistently balanced his personal and professional life with admirable ease.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
COP Yohuno’s academic journey began at Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, where he obtained his WASSCE certificate. He then pursued a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana, followed by an Executive MBA in Project Management from the Institute of Professional Studies (now UPSA).
Christian Tetteh Yohuno
PROFESSIONAL MILESTONES
COP Yohuno’s career has been marked by a series of significant appointments and promotions that highlight his capability and determination:
November 2007 to May 2009: He served as the Divisional Commander for Accra Central and later as the Accra Regional Operations Commander.
2011: For his meritorious service in combating armed robbery and other criminal activities, he was awarded the Grand Medal.
January 2012: His exceptional service earned him a promotion to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP).
2013 to December 2015: He was the Deputy Accra Regional Commander, where he played a pivotal role in maintaining law and order in the region.
2015: He was appointed as the Director-General of the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD), further showcasing his versatility and leadership in various facets of law enforcement.
January 2016: His career progression continued as he was promoted to Commissioner of Police (COP) and took on roles as Director-General in charge of Special Duties and Director-General Administration.
July 17, 2024: His most recent appointment as Deputy Inspector General of Police is a crowning achievement in his illustrious career.
Source : King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com
A Level 400 student of the Gambaga College of Education in the North East Region, has been shot and killed by unknown gunmen.
As a result, classes have reportedly been suspended today, 13th March, at the college.The school’s authorities have confirmed the incident, stating that the deceased was found with suspected gunshot wounds outside the school campus fence.
Although the motive behind the killing remains unclear, JoyNews understands that authorities suggest it could be linked to the ongoing violence in Bawku.
The police have been informed, and the Gambaga Chief Palace has summoned the Principal of the school for further discussions.Source: Myjoyonline.com
Former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta has filed a lawsuit against DSP Bismark Boakye Ansah and Chief Inspector Mensah, also known as Sir Mensah, for trespassing and violating his right to privacy.
The lawsuit follows an incident on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, when a group of individuals, including some in military and police uniforms, allegedly raided his residence in Cantonments. At the time of the incident, Ofori-Atta was reportedly out of the country, while some family members, including his wife, were present.
Eyewitness accounts and security footage indicate that approximately 12 individuals were involved in the operation. Among them, five were dressed in military uniforms, one in a police uniform, and the rest in plain clothes. The motive behind the raid remains unclear, and it is yet to be determined whether any items were taken.
Initial speculation suggested that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) was responsible for the operation. However, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, categorically denied any involvement, stating that the OSP had not authorized or conducted the raid.
A writ of summons sighted by Citi News on Wednesday, March 12, indicates that Ofori-Atta is challenging the defendants’ actions as trespassory and a violation of his right to privacy.
The former minister is seeking multiple legal remedies, including a declaration that the defendants’ actions were unlawful, compensation for trespass and privacy infringement, and a perpetual injunction to prevent any further interference with his property. Additionally, he is demanding aggravated damages and legal costs.
The defendants, DSP Bismark Boakye Ansah and Chief Inspector Mensah, have been ordered to enter an appearance within eight days of being served with the writ.
The NPP General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua, has joined the Ashanti GJA to thank the Almighty God and the media for ensuring a peaceful general election in 2024.
According to him, he was shocked to hear the poor condition of the Kumasi prisons and pledged on behalf of his party to support the prisons service.
Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua,NPP General secretary, Chairman COKA,Kenyasehe and the Ashanti Prisons Commander
He, therefore, cautioned his fellow politicians and followers to desist from intimidating and harassing journalists.
He said the media is the watchdog of the society and all stakeholders must protect it.
The NPP General secretary,who is affectionately called “Okunkum”,made the appeal during 2025 Ashanti GJA thanksgiving /Get-together held on Friday,7th March,2025 at Longford Event centre.
He also advised media practitioners to always stand by the truth devoid of biased and unbalanced reportage.
The Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the Electricity Company of Ghana, Mr. Collins Manu, pledged the company’s commitment to continue to have a working relationship with the media.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has commended the Chief of Kaase, Nana Mensah Bonsu, and his elders for building a modern police station for the Kaase community.
The Overlord of the Asante Kingdom made the commendation during the commissioning of a police station on Friday, 8th March 2025, with the support of DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander.
Some scenes from the ceremony
Baffour Agyei Fosu Twitwiaka (Otumfuo Anatahene), who represented the King, said recently the chief handed over a hospital built by him to the Ghana Health Service.
According to him, the police to population ratio is low and, therefore, there is the need for all stakeholders to support to meet the target.
Front view of the police station
He called on the Ghana Police Service to cultivate a culture of maintenance and keep the edifice in good shape at all times.
He said security was a shared responsibility; he, therefore, appealed to all and sundry, especially the clergy and imams, to create the necessary awareness to get the needed logistical support for the personnel at the new Kaase Police Station.
DCOP Mr. Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, the Ashanti Regional Commander, commended Nana Mensah Bonsu for constructing an ultramoden police station and handing it over to the Ghana Police Service.
He, therefore, appealed to the personnel posted to the station to take very good care of the facility by keeping the facility in good state at all times.
Nana Mensah Bonsu,Kaasehene with his elders
Mr Teye-Cudjoe said they (police) would not use the station to intimidate the residents.
The regional police commander, who was very impressed with the edifice, said “of what I have seen, I would have to go back and inform the Inspector General of Police that this police station is bigger than what we earlier thought”.
Chief Inspector Konadu Charles, station officer, and other personnel were introduced to the community. He advised them to take very good care of the facility and also treat the residents with the needed respect.
DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe,the Ashanti Regional police commander speaking at the event
The Ashanti Regional Police commander appealed to stakeholders to help the new police station and support the personnel with vehicles and motorbikes.
The Chairperson for the ceremony, who doubles as the Asokwa Constituency Chairman of the NDC, Sheriff
Abubakar, praised the chief for his progressive leadership.
He stressed that the need for adequate security cannot be overemphasised. He, therefore, called on the residents of the area to make good use of the facility.
On her part, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Asokwa Constituency, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, through her representative, also commended the chief. She also pledged her support to the chief and his elders.
Kaasehene, Nana Mensah Bonsu in his welcome remarks, Commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his continued encouragement and advice
He thanked his elders, residents and stakeholders for their support.
As a backgrounder:
Before Nana Mensah Bonsu was enstooled as a chief of Kaase, he worked at the Naja David Company (AG.Timbers) as an electrical engineer for 33 years after completing Kumasi Polytechnic, now Kumasi Technical University.
Records available indicate that within the short time that Nana Mensah Bonsu became the Chief of Kaase, he has done tremendously well, by lifting high the image of Kaase and its citizens, which is uncommon in modern-day chieftaincy.
Some of the developmental projects to his credit within the 12 years of his reign as Kaasehene are the renovation of the Kaase palace, construction of Kaase Police Station, construction of Kaase Hospital, changing all the blackboard in the classrooms of the Kaase school to marker boards.
Other projects done by the chiefs are toilet facilities for the school and the town, three boreholes, a urinal for the school, construction of new six-classroom block for the primary school, replacing all the broken windows and the fencing of the school wall.
The Ejura Divisional Council, led by Ejurahene Barimah Osei Hwedie II, has held a crucial meeting with security heads, assembly members, and volunteer groups to tackle escalating security concerns in the area.
This gathering follows an appeal from assembly members and their volunteer groups to the revered chief and his elders for support in resolving pressing security issues in Ejura’s surrounding communities.
Barimah Osei Hwedie in a group photograph with stakeholders
Held at the Ejura Palace on Tuesday, the meeting saw the attendance of all security representatives from the Ejura-Sekyeredumase Municipality.
Ejurahene Barimah Osei Hwedie II, who chaired the meeting, expressed optimism about the gathering.
Barimah Osei Hwedie speaking at the event
He commended the assembly members for their efforts in collaborating with security agencies to safeguard lives and properties.
The traditional authority pledged its support to the initiative, urging both the Ghana Police Service and volunteer groups to work together to ensure success.
Assembly members present at the meeting praised Ejurahene Barimah Osei Hwedie II and his chiefs for consistently leading peaceful dialogues in the area.
Crime Officer for Ejura Divisional Police Command, ASP Acheampong, assured that the Ghana Police Service will provide training to volunteer groups, enabling them to work within the law.
He emphasized that volunteers will operate under police supervision to ensure compliance with regulations.
Acheampong reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting citizens and warned that any individual engaging in illegal activities will face consequences.
This meeting demonstrates the collaborative efforts of traditional authorities, security agencies, and community members in addressing security concerns in Ejura
Investigations Bureau (NIB) has invited the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kwame Baffoe, widely known as Abronye DC to appear before it on February 26, 2025.
Abronye DC
He is expected to respond to some allegations he allegedly made against President John Mahama.
According to a letter obtained by Myjoyonline, Mr Baffoe has been summoned by the NIB to provide evidence to back his claims.
The communique indicated that Abronye DC accused President Mahama of withholding GH₵550 million intended for dismissed appointees at the Jubilee House.
Abronye DC made these claims during an appearance on Accra-based Movement Television, where he also accused the government of corruption in the recruitment and revocation processes.Source:myjoyonline.com
Former Chairman of the Public Procurement Authority Board, Prof Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi has been taken into custody by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) at Kawukudi, near Nima in the Greater Accra region.
Prof Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi
The reasons for his detainment are not yet known.
The legal team of the former Education Minister is actively working to secure his release.
As of now, lawyers are present at the NIB offices in Kawukudi, striving to obtain bail for the professor.Source:Abigail Arthur
The High Court in Accra on Friday, February 21, 2025, granted bail in the sum of GH₵500,000 with two sureties to Mr Gregory Afoko after almost a decade on remand while standing trial for his alleged role in the murder of the late Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Adams Mahama.
The Court presided over by Justice Marie-Louise Simmons ordered him to produce two sureties, one of whom is to be justified with a landed property.
Mr Gregory Afoko
He’s also expected to report to the police investigator on the case. His previous bail applications had been denied under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Afoko and his co-defendant, Asabke, who was earlier convicted and sentenced to death for conspiracy, are currently facing retrial for murder.
The two have had their plea retaken, and the fifth prosecution witness has already been discharged with the six expected before the Court presided over by Justice Marie-Louise Simmons.
They are alleged to have poured acid on Adams Mahama, a former Upper East Regional chairman of the NPP, leading to his death on May 20, 2015.
Gregory Afoko is brother to a former NPP National Chairman, Paul Afoko, who was suspended from the party in October of that same year, 2015. In court on Friday, the prosecution did not oppose the bail application, after the defence lawyers had offered sufficient proof that they could meet the bail conditions.
The defence counsel told the Court that, the brother of the accused Paul Afoko, is ready to stand as surety for him and has a fixed place of abode.
The suspect had two trials – one was aborted in 2019 and the other went through full trial and jury returned verdict on April 27, 2023.
Afoko’s previous trial ended in a hung jury, with a 4-3 not guilty verdict in his favour on April 27, 2023.
The court ordered a retrial, which is currently underway with the substantive hearing adjourned to March 5, 2025.
Brief facts
The brief facts of the case, were that on May 14, 2015, Gregory’s brother, Paul Afoko, and Kwabena Agyepong, then then national chairman and general secretary, respectively, of the NPP arrived in Bolgatanga for a meeting.
It stated that, the deceased, organised some thugs to violently attack the two, scuttling the planned meeting at the Azumsolon Guest House, for campaigning against the then NPP flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and also not notifying him of the meeting.
The situation, according to the prosecution, was later brought under control by the police, adding that the accused, who was then upset, confronted Mahama but was chased out by thugs.
Another group
It also noted that Gregory and Asabke formed another youth group in their bid to protect persons perceived to be against Nana Akufo-Addo.
It said the accused persons held a series of meetings with the youth and on May 20, 2015, they laid ambush at Mahama’s residence with a substance suspected to be acid. ‘The deceased returned home around 11:10 p.m. in his pick-up vehicle, with registration number NR 761 – 14, and immediately he parked the vehicle in front of his house, the suspects went close and signalled him to roll down the glass.
The deceased identified the suspects to be party members and rolled down the glass to talk to them.
Suddenly, the suspects poured the substance suspected to be acid on his head, face and other parts of his body and fled on a motorbike.
‘The deceased started screaming for help and his wife, Hajia Zenabu Adams, went to his aid and managed to bring him out of the vehicle, the prosecution added.
Injuries
According to the prosecution, Mahama’s wife also sustained burns on the right side of her chest and breast while assisting her husband.
It said when she enquired about what had happened to her husband, he told her Gregory and Asabke had attacked him.
Mahama died while being airlifted to Accra for treatment.Gregory, who was later picked up, led the police to Asabke’s father’s house. The police later located Asabke’s house but he had then absconded with his wife, abandoning their baby in the process.
A post-mortem report on Mahama said he died of shocked lungs and extensive acid burns.Source: Myjoyonline.com
