IMANI Africa files injunction to protect IGP Dampare from dismissal

Policy think tank IMANI Africa and security analyst Professor Kwesi Aning have jointly filed an injunction at the Supreme Court to prevent President John Dramani Mahama from dismissing the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and other heads of security services.

The injunction, filed at the Supreme Court, seeks to challenge the President’s authority to terminate the appointment of key public officers without proven misconduct.

The plaintiffs, IMANI Africa and Professor Kwesi Aning, argue that the removal of the IGP, along with other heads of uniformed security services, should only occur in cases of established misconduct or misbehaviour.

They emphasise that the President does not have the power to make fresh appointments to these positions unless the current officeholders are deceased, incapacitated, or have resigned.

The motion for an interlocutory injunction was filed on March 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Ghana. The plaintiffs are seeking an order to restrain the Attorney-General, the President, and the respective councils of the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service, National Fire Service, and Ghana Prisons Service from removing, terminating, dismissing, or suspending the heads of these services pending the final determination of the case.

This legal action underscores the ongoing debate over the President’s powers and the need for constitutional clarity in the appointment and removal of key public officers.

The case has been adjourned by the Supreme Court, with the Attorney-General given seven days to file a statement of case.