Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, has defended former President Nana Akuffo-Addo’s approach to security appointments, stating that he maintained professionalism and continuity in the military’s top hierarchy.
He argued that unlike some past administrations, Akuffo-Addo did not overhaul the leadership of the security agencies upon assuming office in 2017.
“When President Akuffo-Addo took over, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was Vice Marshal Samson-Oje. According to the President’s prerogative, he needed to be changed, along with Major General Adeti, the then-Chief of Staff”
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
Beyond these changes, he emphasized that Akuffo-Addo largely retained officers appointed by former President John Mahama.
He noted that despite the president’s prerogative to make changes, he exercised restraint in reshuffling the security leadership and did not indiscriminately remove officers appointed by his predecessor.
He however promoted Mahama’s Army Commander, Major General Obed Boamah Akwa, to CDS, and General William Azure Ayamdo, another Mahama appointee, became Army Commander.
“He didn’t sack the entire top brass or replace them with new ranks and generals loyal to him. The Navy and Air Force Chiefs were kept in place and allowed to serve their full terms. This approach upheld professionalism and ensured high morale within the security forces”
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
Rev. Fordjour further pointed out that the heads of the navy and air force were not dismissed and were allowed to serve their full terms before replacements were appointed.
He argued that this approach boosted morale and sent a clear message about professionalism and meritocracy.
The MP dismissed claims that Akuffo-Addo’s security appointments were politically motivated too, pointing out that Ghana remained stable throughout his tenure despite working with many security chiefs he did not appoint.
“Did we have a coup in those eight years because President Akuffo-Addo worked with Mahama’s generals? No. It rather boosted confidence in the security system and reinforced meritocracy”
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
He contrasted this with the recent changes in the leadership of the Ghana Police Service especially and suggested that the process could have been handled with greater sensitivity.
Better Handling of IGP’s Exit
Rev. Fordjour also addressed the recent removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, stating that while President Mahama had the right to make changes, the transition should have been handled more professionally.
While acknowledging that every president has the right to appoint their own security heads, he believed Dampare’s performance warranted his retention.
Rev. Fordjour cited several key performance indicators (KPIs) that he believed showcased Dampare’s effectiveness.
“Dr. Dampare, regardless of how people assess him, ranks among the best-performing IGPs of the Fourth Republic.
“His tenure saw a reduction in crime rates, improved police visibility, and greater discipline within the service. His removal should not have been accompanied by unnecessary jubilations”
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
He noted that global security rankings had placed Ghana among the most peaceful nations under Dampare’s leadership.
“Global organizations, including the Global Peace Index, ranked Ghana as the second most peaceful country in Africa for 2024-2025. In crime rate rankings, we performed better than Australia and Canada”
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
Fordjour stressed that the removal, if inevitable, should have been more dignified.
“If I were President, I would have continued with him. But even if a new appointment was necessary, the transition should have been smoother. Leadership is about continuity”
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
He also criticized the public celebration following Dampare’s removal, calling it inappropriate and disrespectful to his contributions.
“See how he sanitized the headquarters. All of a sudden, there was order. And if you had not been there for a while, you would not believe that you were in the head office of the Ghana Police Service.
“That very day he was removed, see the chaos that erupted, which is most regrettable”
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
According to him, the former IGP’s achievements, together with his team, should’ve been celebrated more.
There were bound to be shortfalls along the journey but the most important thing was the enviable point he brought the Ghana Police Service to.
“Largely, he deserves some credit. So if a new president has come, I would have wished he continued with him,” he added.
Defending the New IGP
Despite his concerns about Dampare’s removal, Rev. Fordjour gave credit to the appointment of his successor, IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
Regardless of his reservations, he admitted to some level of continuity taking place since the new IGP was appointed as Deputy IGP by Akufo-Addo just last year and now promoted by President Mahama.
That notwithstanding, he maintained that President Mahama could’ve done better by taking a page from former President Akuffo Addo’s book by not making so many sweeping changes in other state security agencies.
Moving on, he urged the new administration to focus on maintaining stability within the police force while ensuring that law enforcement remains professional and apolitical.
“Governance is a continuum. The security of our country should not be subject to political games. Let’s focus on strengthening institutions and maintaining trust in the system”
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
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