Professor Ransford Gyampo, an associate Professor has stated that the practice of political appointment over the years has weakened the morale of workers within administrative units.
Speaking in regards to the appointment of COP Dampare as IGP which he lauded,;he stated that the practice of political appointment sometimes leads to needless sabotage of;whoever may have been appointed based on purely partisan consideration.
“When we talk about morale,;we are simply talking about the total satisfaction that one derives from a work that he or she does. It dampens people’s spirit because everybody wants to climb to the top,;but if its political appointment, it disregards this principle.”
Professor Gyampo
However, he commended President Akufo-Addo for the appointment of COP George Dampare,;who will take over from James Oppong-Boanuh as head of the Ghana Police Service. He said this move is laudable because,; often times politicians make use of political grace in shaping whoever they determine to appoint to head an organization.
Professor Gyampo said in that regard, there have always been appointments that have been based on party considerations to people who are perceived to be loyal, not necessarily to their own profession but to the entire nation.
“And so, you have political appointments in a way that points clearly that, you can see a junior being appointed to head an organization that you have seniors who if, we are talking about democracy and natural career progression and advancement, he could have been given the nod. But these things often times do not happen when it is about political appointment. “
Professor Gyampo
COP Dampare’s appointment, a motivation
He further said the COP Dampare’s appointment will in turn motivate others because he was the next in line who got his appointment accordingly.
“His appointment is based on merit. He is the best man for the job.”
Professor Gyampo
IGP should prioritize human relations
Moreover, he charged the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to make human relations one of his priorities in order to succeed.
Professor Gyampo stated that even though he is the most senior COP and he merits the appointment, it appears that the comments from within suggest that there is a little deficit in terms of how he relates both at the top and grassroot.
“And so human relations matter, my advice is that now that he has been appointed as acting, I would expect that as he is being watched as to around October, he must demonstrate a certain leadership that makes him also bring all of his people around him on board and relate with them.
“If he does not work with his own people, and he is unable to deal with the seeming challenge of human relations then it may be difficult for him.”
Professor Gyampo
He further called on COP Dampare to rally everyone around to embrace his strategy.
COP George Akuffo Dampare before his appointment was the Director General in charge of administration in the Police Service and a member of the Police Management Board.
