‘Not a fresh case, not a political attack’ – IMANI’s legal battle over Dampare’s removal

President John Mahama’s decision to dismiss IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has ignited debate over presidential authority.

Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, clarified that their legal challenge predates the election, refuting claims of political motives.

The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, questions whether a president can unilaterally remove security heads. Cudjoe argues that such dismissals should follow constitutional grounds like misconduct, retirement, or incapacity.

Historical cases, including the 2017 removal of a Prisons Service head at age 54, highlight the issue.

IMANI seeks a Supreme Court ruling on May 7, 2025, to set limits on executive power, ensuring security agency heads are protected from arbitrary dismissal.

The case could reshape presidential authority over security services.