Nana Obiri Boahen, a former Deputy General Secretary of the NPP
Nana Obiri Boahen, a former Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, has backed President John Mahama’s shakeup in the leadership of security services, stating that such positions are sensitive and ought not be treated as regular political appointments.
He indicated that the security of the president is paramount and all necessary actions to sanitise the security space is welcome.
“What has Mahama done wrong by sacking Dr George Akuffo Dampare? Do you think security job is like Ransford Gyampo’s appointment? Security is paramount and the president has every right to select a team he totally trusts in handling such matters.
“The president has been briefed on the country’s security. So, he may have intel at his disposal that we are not privy to. I absolutely believe that he acted based on the intelligence he has gathered since he assumed power,” he said.
He also indicated that “In any case, is Dampare the first IGP in the history of this Ghana to be sent parking? So, what has Mahama done wrong?”
He made this known during an interview on Okay FM on March 18, 2025.
He added that the former IGP’s entanglement in the leaked tape scandal as one of the reasons he had to be removed from office.
“Do you remember his involvement in the Bugri Naabu leaked tape? In my opinion, he should have resigned right after the committee made their conclusions and findings,” he said.
Background>
An ad hoc committee set up by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, sought to probe a leaked audio tape that contained a discussion of an alleged plot to remove Dr George Akuffo Dampare as the Inspector General of Police.
The committee, which was chaired by the former Abuakwa South MP, Samuel Atta Akyea, was tasked with investigating the leaked audio where some senior police officers were heard in a conversation with former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, planning the removal of the IGP from office.
Among other things, the officers identified as Superintendent Asare, COP Mensah and Superintendent Gyebi were heard saying the IGP was too professional and could not be easily compromised.
The report of the committee was laid before Parliament on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
VPO/AE