Leader of the Union Government, Akwasi Addai Odike, has suggested to President John Dramani Mahama to act swiftly in reviewing the 1992 Constitution to ensure that future appointments of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is done independent and free from political influence.
Odike believes that one way to achieve this is by establishing an independent Electoral College where appointments of future IGPs would be based on elections within the hierarchy of the police administration.
“I will suggest to President Mahama that he should consider establishing an Electoral College for the police administration to allow themselves to vote on who becomes the next IGP.
“So after this voting process to elect its own choice of IGP, then they proceed to the president for swearing-in,” he said on Angel Morning Show (AMS) on Monday, March 17, 2025.
According to the businessman, such a decision would potentially end the canker of winner-takes-all appointments, which breed favoritism and nepotism in the discharge of the IGP’s duties.
“And if this happens, the IGPs tenure of office is guaranteed and they can execute their tasks without fear or favor. However, in our current dispensation, IGPs are not independent, so their mode of operation has become ‘working to pleased your paymaster,” he added.
This canker, he stated, has led to “selective prosecution and a culture of impunity,” which has become widespread, especially when a sitting government appoints the incumbent IGP.
Mr. Addai’s suggestions follow the recent appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new IGP following the dismissal of George Akuffo Dampare by President Mahama.
