James Oppong-Boanuh, the outgoing Inspector General of Police (IGP) has stated that he is bowing out from his role as IGP with pride and conviction.

According to Mr. Oppong- Boanuh, he has played his part in the midst of resource constraints to help Ghana attain global recognition. Meanwhile, he is of the firm belief that the service has committed officers who will support the incoming IGP.

“I am bowing out today with pride and a strong conviction that this Service is blessed with a number of committed officers who are going to support the incoming IGP to successfully continue from where I left. The Service has supported Ghana to attain global recognition. So, Ghanaians must also support whoever leads the Police Service.”
James Oppong-Boanuh

Besides, he touted the importance of the Ghana Police Service in development of the country, noting that the police service helps drive economic activities which subsequently lead to economic development.

“It is important to underline that the role of the security agencies, which is internally led by the police service, cannot be overemphasized. A peaceful environment contributes to development by attracting investors which help build the economy.”
James Oppong-Boanuh

Meanwhile, he called for support for his successor, George Akuffo Dampare, who officially takes over the baton from him with effect from Sunday, August 1, 2021 .

“It is in this vein that I want to encourage all personnel of the service and the good people of this country to give the necessary support to the incoming IGP and his administration to discharge the core mandate of the police service in maintaining law and order.”
James Oppong-Boanuh

He is of the firm belief that “we can do more to become one of the most peaceful countries in the world, with the rest of leadership and supply of resources to the service”.

However, in a Pull-Out Ceremony held in his honour at the National Police Training School on Friday, July 30, he apologized to the personnel and the Ghanaian populace for some of the tough decisions he took during his tenure.

He particularly cited the instances of staff transfer to other regions and far-flung areas to serve, as one area he knew has hurt most affected personnel.

“ I am sure I contributed a lot of positive things. But being human, I am also sure that I made some mistakes. Again, I may have hurt or disappointed some people by some of the decisions I took.

“Especially, I am aware that as IGP, a lot of people got frustrated by transfers and postings into rural areas, because obviously everybody wants to be in the capital region. If I hurt anyone by such decisions, I am sorry. I thought it necessary at that time for the good people of this country.”
James Oppong-Boanuh

It can be recalled that, in lieu of Mr Oppong-Boanuh’s retirement, the President appointed COP Akuffo Dampare as the acting IGP before he was subsequently appointed as the substantive IGP. Before his appointment, he was the Director of Administration at the Ghana Police Service.

Notwithstanding the many good works of the outgoing IGP, Ghanaians will fondly remember him for the recent comment he passed on the bullion van shooting incident in James Town when he said, “There is no society in the world where there is no crime. The only place that doesn’t have crime is heaven and we are not in heaven. Go to heaven if you don’t want to have crime.”

Meanwhile, many Ghanaians would be wondering if he will go to heaven which is crime free to enjoy his retirement.