President Mahama appoints new heads for key security agencies

President John Dramani Mahama has made significant leadership changes in three major security agencies: the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ghana Prisons Service.

A statement issued from the presidency on Friday, March 13, and signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President's Spokesperson and Minister of Government Communications, announced the appointments.

The newly appointed officials include DDGP 3 Patience Baffoe-Bonnie as Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong as Chief Fire Officer, and DCI Samuel Basentale Amadu as Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service. These appointments replace the individuals who previously held these positions.

This announcement follows the recent swearing-in of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector-General of Police, succeeding COP George Akuffo Dampare, who was relieved of his duties.

Meanwhile, think tank Imani Ghana, along with security expert Prof. Kwesi Aning, has petitioned the Supreme Court to prevent the President from making further removals or replacements within the security services. Their legal challenge argues that any dismissals before a pending court ruling in May 2025 would be unfair to the affected officers.

The plaintiffs have requested an interlocutory injunction to restrain the President and the respective governing councils of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, National Fire Service, and Ghana Prisons Service from dismissing, suspending, or interfering with the positions of their respective heads.

They assert that the case presents critical constitutional issues and that the balance of fairness favors maintaining the current leadership until the legal dispute is resolved.

Despite this legal challenge, the President proceeded with appointing a new Inspector-General of Police.