The Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Ghana, James Oppong-Boanuh, is pressured to resign or be sacked by the president after three senior police officers filed a petition accusing him of corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power.
The petition, which was submitted to the presidency and the police council on September 22, 2023, outlined four main reasons why the IGP should be removed from office. The petitioners are Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Edward Tabiri, Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID); DCOP Dr Sayibu Pabi Gariba, Director General of the National Patrol Department (NPD); and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr Benjamin Agordzo, Director General of the Transformation Programme Office (TPO).
According to the petition, the IGP has failed to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in the administration of the Ghana Police Service. The petitioners allege that the IGP has:
- Engaged in illegal recruitment and promotion of unqualified personnel, especially his relatives and cronies, at the expense of deserving officers.
- He misappropriated funds meant for the welfare and operational needs of the police service and diverted them to his personal accounts and projects.
- Interfered with the work of the CID and other units by ordering them to drop investigations or arrest suspects without due process or evidence.
- Disregarded the orders and directives of the president and the police council and acted in a manner that undermined the authority and reputation of the police service.
The petitioners claim that they have documentary evidence to support their allegations and that they have exhausted all internal avenues to seek redress. They also claim that they have been victimized and sidelined by the IGP for speaking out against his misconduct.
The petition has sparked a public debate on the state of affairs in the Ghana Police Service, which has been plagued by low morale, poor performance, and public mistrust. Many civil society groups, opposition parties, and media outlets have called for an independent investigation into the allegations, urging President Nana Akufo-Addo to act swiftly and decisively.
However, some government officials and ruling party members have dismissed the petition as baseless and motivated by personal vendetta. They have accused the petitioners of being disgruntled and insubordinate officers who are trying to tarnish the image of the IGP and undermine his efforts to reform and modernize the police service.
The presidency and the police council have not yet issued any official statement on the petition. The IGP has also not commented publicly on the allegations. However, sources close to him have said that he is confident that he has done nothing wrong and that he is ready to defend himself before any competent authority.
The Ghana Police Service is one of the most important institutions in the country’s democracy and security. It is expected to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and maintain public order. However, it is among the most challenged institutions regarding resources, capacity, and credibility. It is, therefore, imperative that its leadership is beyond reproach and that its officers are motivated, professional, and accountable.
The petition against the IGP is a test case for Ghana’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring good governance in its public service. It is also an opportunity for Ghana to demonstrate its respect for its constitution and citizens’ right to demand accountability from their leaders. It is hoped that this matter will be resolved fairly, transparently, and timely to restore public confidence in the police service and enhance its performance.
Source: Ghana Web
