Ghana stands at a critical juncture, one that exposes the deep contradictions in our politics and national mindset. When the current administration came into power, it promised a “reset,” a new dawn where corruption would be tackled, institutions strengthened, and accountability upheld. Yet, the dismissal of Dr. George Akuffo Dampare as Inspector General of Police (IGP) is a glaring reminder that in Ghanaian politics, true reformers often become victims of the very system they try to fix.
When a government promises to reset a nation, it implies a break from the old ways, nepotism, lawlessness, and a culture of impunity. However, in reality, we continue to see leaders who stand for discipline and accountability being pushed out, while the corrupt and complacent remain comfortably in power. Dr. Dampare was not just an IGP; he was a symbol of what a reformed, modern Ghana Police Service could look like. He introduced bold policies, improved officer welfare, and sought to make the police accountable to the people.
But in a country where leadership is often about political loyalty rather than national progress, such reforms threaten those who thrive on the status quo. Those who once preached a reset have now fallen into the same old patterns of political manipulation, sacrificing competent leaders to appease self-serving interests.
Beyond politics, Dampare’s removal also exposes a deeper issue, our own collective attitude as a people. Ghanaians cry for change, yet when given real leaders who demand discipline and efficiency, we sabotage them. The reactions to Dampare’s dismissal reveal a troubling pattern in our national character:
Many Ghanaians want change, but only when it does not inconvenience them. Dr. Dampare’s insistence on professionalism, transparency, and law enforcement made life uncomfortable for those who benefited from a weak police system. Some officers disliked him because he introduced measures that made corruption harder. Many civilians who cheered his removal were the same people who would have preferred a police service that looked the other way when they broke the law.
Instead of rallying behind reformers, we often pull them down. Ghana has a long history of rejecting disciplined leaders. From Nkrumah to modern-day figures like Martin Amidu and Daniel Domelevo, anyone who dares to fight corruption and inefficiency is eventually forced out. And when they fall, we mock them rather than recognize their sacrifice.
Many of those celebrating Dampare’s removal are not doing so because he failed in his duties, but because his leadership did not serve their political or personal interests.
The consequences of our attitude toward good leadership are clear. We remain stuck in a cycle where mediocrity is rewarded, and excellence is punished. We continue to wonder why our institutions fail, why corruption thrives, and why development remains slow. The truth is, until we, as a people, change our mentality, no leader, no matter how visionary, can save us.
Dr. Dampare’s removal is a test of whether Ghanaians truly want the change we always demand. If we cannot recognize and defend good leadership when we see it, then we are not victims of bad governance ,we are accomplices. Until we break this cycle, Ghana will remain a nation that talks about progress but actively destroys the very people who can deliver it.
John O.A.Dawonne
(Security Analyst and Consultant)
Tel.0244801935
