Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, the Minister-Designate for the Interior, has stated that the authority to retain or remove heads of Ghana’s security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police lies solely with President John Dramani Mahama.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Friday, January 24, Muntaka emphasised that his role as Interior Minister would be limited to providing recommendations, with the final decision resting entirely in the hands of the President.
The clarification came in response to a question posed by the Ranking Member of the Committee, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who sought to understand the Minister-Designate’s stance on whether the current IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, would retain his position under the new administration.
Recent calls from certain quarters for the removal of the IGP have stirred public debate, adding a layer of scrutiny to the vetting process.
Muntaka made it clear that he does not possess the authority to unilaterally decide the fate of security heads, stating that such decisions are the exclusive prerogative of the President.
“I can assure you that there will be assessment of all team members and President John Dramani Mahama has a vision and objective for which Ghanaians have voted for him and all that will be reviewed in line.
“And those who will be harmful in assisting him in the national interest will be dealt with but I will not be able to deal with specific individuals and determine who stays or goes. I do not have that power. I can only make recommendations to the President.”
The issue of whether Dampare will remain as IGP has been a contentious one, with various groups and individuals calling for his removal.
Some argue that his leadership has not aligned with the security priorities of the new administration, while others laud his efforts in maintaining law and order during challenging times.
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