Dampere’s revelation sheds light on the challenges, rivalries, and internal politics he faced while leading the police service, particularly during sensitive leadership transitions.
In a video posted by GhanaWeb today, Saturday 6th December 2025, Dampere explained that the moment Yohonu assumed office was shocking not only because of the new leadership but also because he noticed that many senior officers he had worked with during his tenure were jubilating massively.
“According to him, it was then I realized that some of the people I trusted and collaborated with were celebrating my challenges behind the scenes,” he said.
This revelation, Dampere noted, added a layer of personal betrayal to an already tense situation.
He recounted that the appointment of Yohonu brought immediate tension within the ranks, as rival factions and officers aligned with the new leadership began subtly undermining him.
While Dampere had always prioritized discipline, professionalism, and integrity, he found himself facing unexpected opposition from those he had mentored and trusted over the years.
According to him, witnessing their jubilation was both shocking and disheartening.
Akufo Dampere explained that his relationship with Yohonu had been fraught with disagreements over operational approaches and administrative decisions.
He emphasized that the first day of Yohonu’s leadership made it clear that certain individuals within the service were eager to see him struggle, and some were openly supportive of challenges aimed at discrediting his leadership.
“It was a very challenging moment,” he said, “and it taught me to be more vigilant and resilient.”
Despite the personal and professional difficulties, Dampere insisted that he remained committed to maintaining order, enforcing the law, and ensuring that the police service continued to function effectively.
He noted that the post-election period was especially delicate, as the public expected stability, peace, and effective policing during a time of national attention.
He further described incidents where officers aligned with the new IGP subtly obstructed administrative decisions, delayed processes, and questioned his authority.
According to Dampere, such actions created an environment of mistrust, making it challenging to lead effectively.
However, he said these challenges strengthened his resolve and enhanced his ability to remain calm under pressure.
Akufo Dampere also reflected on the lessons from that experience, emphasizing the importance of integrity, resilience, and impartiality in law enforcement leadership.
He urged current and future officers to focus on professionalism, unity, and public service, warning that internal rivalries and personal animosities could undermine the effectiveness of the police service and harm public trust.
The former IGP concluded by highlighting the need for transparency and loyalty within the police ranks, stressing that personal celebrations at the expense of colleagues’ struggles should be discouraged.
He called for officers to work together in the interest of national security, rather than letting individual rivalries dictate the atmosphere within the institution.
Dampere’s revelations have sparked nationwide discussion, with many expressing surprise over the internal dynamics of the police service and the personal challenges leaders face behind the scenes.
His testimony offers insight into the human side of leadership and the complexities of managing a disciplined force during politically sensitive periods.