By Ephraim Ofori Numosuor
Ghana’s Police Service has been shaped by a lineage of dedicated Inspector-Generals of Police (IGPs), each appointed by different heads of state and leaving a unique imprint on the Service. With the appointment of a new IGP, it is imperative to reflect on the legacy of previous IGPs, their reforms, challenges, and how they advanced law enforcement in Ghana.
1. E.R.T. Madjitey (1958-1964) – The Pioneer
Appointed by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, he was Ghana’s first indigenous IGP after independence, E.R.T. Madjitey was instrumental in laying the foundation for modern policing. His tenure focused on transitioning the police force from colonial rule to serving an independent nation, emphasizing professionalism and discipline. He advocated for local recruitment and training to replace expatriate officers. He was dismissed by Nkrumah in 1964 due to political differences.
2. J.W.K. Harley (1964-1969) – The Law-and-Order Enforcer
Harley was appointed by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He was Ghana’s second IGP after independence. His time as IGP coincided with Ghana’s early post-independence challenges, including political upheavals. He played a crucial role in countering opposition demonstrations and maintaining national security during the First Republic. He was removed after the overthrow of Nkrumah in 1966 but continued serving in a different capacity until 1969.
3. Bawa Andani Yakubu (1969-1971) – The Reformist
Bawa Andani Yakubu was Appointed IGP by Brigadier Akwasi Afrifa. He introduced structural changes within the force, particularly in community policing. He was keen on intelligence-led policing to enhance crime prevention. Under his leadership, the force improved training and increased its presence in rural areas. He Left office after Busia’s government was overthrown in 1972.
4. J.H. Cobbina (1971-1972) – The Short-Lived Legacy
Cobbina was crucial in maintaining police morale and professionalism during political transitions. He was appointed by Kofi Abrefa Busia. He emphasized stricter recruitment processes to eliminate political influence in police appointments. He was ousted following the coup that brought Acheampong to power in 1972.
5. I.K. Acheampong (1972-1974) – The Stability Seeker
Not to be confused with the military leader of the same name, Acheampong’s tenure was during a period of political instability. He sought to keep the police neutral and professional amidst growing military influence in governance. He retired in 1974.
6. Ernest Ako (1974-1978) – The Crime-Fighter
Appointed by General I.K. Acheampong, Ako’s leadership focused on crime reduction, particularly tackling robbery and smuggling, which were on the rise at the time. He oversaw the formation of anti-robbery squads. He was removed in 1978 after the palace coup against Acheampong.
7. C.O. Lamptey (1978-1979) – The Transitional Leader
Appointed by General F.W.K. Akuffo, He led the service during a politically sensitive time, ensuring stability and neutrality in law enforcement during the transition to civilian rule. He was removed after Rawlings’ June 4 coup in 1979.
8. R.K. Agyeman (1979-1981) – The Intelligence Strategist
Appointed by Dr. Hilla Limann. He prioritized intelligence-driven policing, enhancing surveillance and investigative techniques to counter political crimes and organized criminal activities. He was dismissed after Rawlings’ 31st December coup in 1981.
9. P.K.K. Nwokolo (1981-1984) – The Crisis Manager
Appointed by: Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings.
Nwokolo faced challenges during Ghana’s early revolutionary years. His focus was on restructuring the force to align with the changing political landscape. He played a role in reducing police corruption by implementing internal monitoring systems. He retired in 1984.
10. C.K. Dewornu (1984-1990) – The Force Modernizer
C.K. Dewornu was the second IGP Appointee of Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. He initiated modernization efforts, including upgrading police training and improving logistics. He facilitated the acquisition of better vehicles and communication equipment for patrol duties. He retired in 1990.
11. J.Y. Ayertey (1990-1996) – The Community Policing Advocate
Appointed by Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, Ayertey strengthened police-public relationships, emphasizing community policing as a means to curb crime. His tenure saw the expansion of police presence in underserved communities. He retired in 1996.
12. P.K. Andoh (1996-2001) – The Professionalism Champion
P.K. Andoh was the last IGP Appointee of Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. He worked on improving police ethics and professionalism, instituting policies to curb corruption within the force. His tenure saw the establishment of the Police Professional Standards Bureau. He retired in 2001.
13. Ernest Owusu-Poku (2001-2002) – The Accountability Leader
Appointed by: John Agyekum Kufuor
Owusu-Poku emphasized accountability within the police service, ensuring officers were held to high ethical standards. He retired in 2002.
14. Nana Owusu-Nsiah (2002-2005) – The Strategic Planner
He was the second IGP appointee of President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Owusu-Nsiah introduced strategic policing reforms, focusing on improving logistics and officer welfare. He retired in 2005.
15. Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong (2005-2009) – The Operational Enforcer
Appointed by John Agyekum Kufuor.
Acheampong prioritized law enforcement effectiveness, strengthening anti-robbery operations and enhancing officer training. He retired in 2009.
16. Paul Tawiah Quaye (2009-2013) – The Professional Standards Advocate
Appointed by John Atta Mills, he emphasized discipline and professionalism within the police force, reinforcing ethical conduct. He retired in 2013.
17. Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan (2013-2015) – The Community Safety Reformer
Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan was appointed by John Mahama.
He reinforced community policing strategies and introduced visibility patrols. He retired in 2015.
18. John Kudalor (2015-2017) – The Election Security Specialist
John Kudalor was appointed by John Mahama.
Kudalor managed security during Ghana’s 2016 general elections. He Retired in 2017.
19. David Asante-Apeatu (2017-2019) – The Intelligence-Driven Leader
David Asante-Apeatu was appointed by Nana Akufo-Addo.
Asante-Apeatu focused on intelligence-led policing, enhancing crime-fighting strategies. He retired in 2019.
20. James Oppong-Boadu (2019-2021) – The Pandemic Policeman
James Oppong-Boadu was the second IGP appointee of Nana Akufo-Addo.
Oppong-Boadu led the police force through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring law enforcement adapted to unprecedented public health measures. He retired in 2021.
21. George Akuffo Dampare (2021-2025) – The People’s IGP
George Akuffo Dampare was Appointed by Nana Akufo-Addo in 2021.
Dampare brought a human-centered approach to policing, focusing on welfare reforms for officers, public engagement, tackling police corruption, and increased police visibility. He is the immediate past IGP of Ghana.
22. New IGP – The Future of Policing in Ghana
As Christian Tetteh Yohuno is set to assume office as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), expectations are high among Ghanaians. The Ghana Police Service has faced numerous challenges over the years, including concerns about crime, police professionalism, public trust, and internal reforms. Given Yohuno’s vast experience in policing, his leadership will be closely monitored as citizens and stakeholders look forward to meaningful changes. All the best to the newly appointed IGP.
One Response
Something is wrong with this list. Where is Peter Nanfuri, who was the last IGP appointed by JJ Rawlings?
I think PK antoh is not correct in this list