“Loyalty is key in security matters” – Sadiq Adutwum defends President Mahama’s appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new IGP
Sadiq Adutwum, has weighed in on the controversial decision made by former President John Dramani Mahama to appoint COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) following the sacking of George Akuffo Dampare.
Sadiq Adutwum, a renowned security expert with a deep understanding of both local and international security dynamics, believes that loyalty should never be underestimated in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of any security institution.
Adutwum speaking on Kessben FM’s Maakye with KOD said loyalty to the leadership and the mission of a country’s security apparatus is indispensable in ensuring that police operations are seamless and that the public’s trust in law enforcement is maintained.
For Adutwum, loyalty is not just about personal allegiance; it is also about the stability of the security forces and their ability to respond to national emergencies with unity and efficiency. In his view, the relationship between the IGP and the President is crucial. A President must appoint someone who he believes is not only capable of managing the nation’s security but also someone who shares a vision of law and order that aligns with his administration’s policies.
Sadiq Adutwum’s defense of President Mahama’s decision to appoint COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno comes at a time when the political and public discourse surrounding this change has been intensely divided. Many political analysts and observers have raised eyebrows over the sacking of George Dampare, particularly given Dampare’s tenure which saw major reforms within the Ghana Police Service.
However, Adutwum argues that such decisions are not always as straightforward as they may appear. He acknowledges that George Dampare’s tenure was marked by visible improvements in police discipline and public relations, yet points out that the role of the IGP also requires a degree of political harmony with the sitting government. The appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, according to Adutwum, was not just a personal decision by President Mahama but a strategic move to ensure greater alignment between the police and government objectives.
In defending Mahama’s decision, Adutwum highlights that loyalty to the government of the day does not necessarily mean compromising the independence of the police. Rather, it means having a shared vision that enables the security forces to function effectively within the boundaries of law and order. As he explains, “The President appoints an IGP to support and ensure the success of his security policies. The police, under the leadership of a loyal IGP, can function without the distractions of political unrest or misalignment with the leadership.”
While Sadiq Adutwum stands firm in his defense of the appointment, he also acknowledges the criticisms that have arisen from certain factions of the opposition. Some detractors argue that the sacking of George Dampare undermines the independence of the police force and sets a dangerous precedent for political interference in security matters.
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