NEWS

Supreme Court Rules IGP, Security Chiefs’ Case Is Moot

Supreme Court Declares Injunction Against IGP and Security Heads’ Removal Moot

A motion for an injunction to stop President John Mahama from dismissing George Akuffo Dampare, the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), and other security agency leaders was denied by the Supreme Court of Ghana. A five-member panel led by Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie rendered the decision on March 25, 2025, concluding that the President’s administrative rights could not be obstructed by the current case for an interlocutory injunction.

Together with security specialist Prof. Kwesi Aning, the policy think tank Imani Ghana requested the injunction. They asked that any terminations or appointments in the security sector be postponed until a final Supreme Court decision made clear the constitutional limits of the President’s power in these areas. The applicants contended that it would be unfair to remove these officials before the substantive case was decided. The substantive issue, which was first brought in 2024, asks whether the President can unilaterally remove important security officers from office unless there is proof of malfeasance or misbehavior. The following important offices are impacted by this case:

– Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service

– Inspector General of Police (IGP)

– Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service

– Comptroller General of the Ghana Immigration Service

The Supreme Court has set a final decision on the substantive case for May 7, 2025, even though the injunction was dismissed. This ruling could establish a major legal precedent for Ghana’s future government and will be essential in establishing the scope of the President’s power over the heads of security agencies.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

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