The recent confusion surrounding the removal of Dr. Dampare as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) by the President has sparked a legal battle that dates back to March 2024.
The injunction filed by lawyers this morning was not a new case but rather an extension of a suit filed by IMANI and Prof. Kwesi Aning at the Supreme Court almost a year ago. The request for the injunction was based on rumors circulating about Dampare’s removal, not as an attempt to disrupt political agendas.
The suit sought a declaration from the Supreme Court regarding the President’s authority to terminate or appoint heads of various security agencies without just cause. The offices in question included the Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Service, IGP, Director General of Prisons Service, and Comptroller General of Immigration Service.
The lawsuit aimed to challenge the trend of new governments removing these office holders without valid reasons, sometimes before reaching the statutory retirement age. Previous instances, such as the forced leave of the former Director-General of the Prisons Service at age 54, highlight the need for constitutional protections for these positions.
The demand for a consequential order to prevent arbitrary removals without proven misconduct or misbehavior emphasizes the importance of upholding constitutional rights in these appointments.
The Supreme Court is set to rule on this matter on May 7th, 2025. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the protection of security agency heads from unjust removals.
Stay tuned for further developments on this legal battle. Thank you.
