Stories and facts
His journey to becoming the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Ghana Police Service is a testament to his unwavering commitment, dedication, and exceptional leadership skills. Appointed as the acting IGP by President Nana Akufo-Addo on July 21, 2021, he officially assumed the role on August 1, 2021, succeeding James Oppong-Boanuh, who had been in office since October 2019.
George Akuffo Dampare's tenure as the acting IGP made him the youngest individual to hold this position since the inception of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. Additionally, he is the eighth youngest to have ever held this esteemed role since the nation gained independence.
Before his illustrious career in law enforcement, Dampare's academic journey laid the foundation for his success. In 1989 and 1992, he achieved academic excellence by passing the GCE Ordinary and Advanced level examinations as a private candidate. He went on to study accounting, completing his ACCA course at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) from February 1994 to December 1996, becoming a Chartered Accountant at the young age of 25.
Dampare's thirst for knowledge drove him to attain two Master of Science degrees, one in Accounting & and Finance from London South Bank University, UK, and the other in Business Systems Analysis & Design from City University of London, UK. His educational journey reached its pinnacle when he earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Finance and Management from King's College London at the University of London.
Dampare's journey in the Ghana Police Service began in December 1990 when he joined as a Police Constable at the age of 20. His unwavering commitment to excellence was evident from the outset, as he was named the overall Best Recruit at the National Police Training School in 1991. He continued to excel, winning all awards except the 'Best Marksman' award.
In 1996, he was named the overall Best Cadet for the 32nd Cadet Officers' Course at the Ghana Police Academy, formerly known as the Police College. He excelled in both Professional Police Subjects and Academic Subjects, earning recognition for his exemplary performance.
Dampare climbed through the ranks throughout his career, serving in various key positions. He worked as the Vice President's Aide-de-camp to John Evans Atta Mills, Vice President of Ghana from 1997 to 2001. Additionally, he held positions such as the GPS's Chief Internal Auditor, Municipal Commander for Cape Coast, Regional Commander for Railways, Ports, and Harbour (now the Police Marine Department), Accra Regional Police Commander, and Commandant of the Police Command and Staff College.
Notably, in 2014, at the age of 44, Dampare was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police (COP). His exemplary leadership was evident in his appointment as the Head (Director-General) of nearly every major department during his career in leadership and management, including Administration and Welfare, MTTD, Research and Planning, Operations, ICT, Finance, and the National Patrol Department.
In addition to his distinguished career in law enforcement, Dampare has also been a dedicated educator. He served as a lecturer at various educational institutions, including the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Regent University College, DataLink University College, and the Business School of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
On July 21, 2021, George Akuffo Dampare was appointed as the acting Inspector General of Police of the Ghana Police Service by President Nana Akufo-Addo, officially taking office on August 1, 2021, following the tenure of James Oppong-Boanuh. On October 8, 2021, he was sworn in as the substantive Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Ghana Police Service.
In his role as IGP, Dampare has not been without challenges. On September 12, 2023, he appeared before a parliamentary ad-hoc committee chaired by Samuel Atta Akyea to address a leaked audio involving some police officers and a commissioner of Police, George Alexander Mensah, as well as Bugri Naabu, a former Northern regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The audio revealed a conversation regarding a plot to remove him as the IGP, with the Police Commissioner expressing concerns that the NPP's chances of winning the next general elections would be compromised if Dampare remained in office.
George Akuffo Dampare's commitment to his family and faith is evident in his personal life. He is married to Anita Akuffo Dampare and is the proud father of six children, comprising five sons and one daughter. As a devout Christian, he is a member and elder of The Church of Pentecost.
George Akuffo Dampare's remarkable journey from an accomplished accountant to a distinguished police officer and, ultimately, the Inspector General of Police of the Ghana Police Service, is a testament to his unwavering dedication, excellence, and commitment to serving his nation. His story is a source of inspiration for many and a reflection of the possibilities that can be achieved through hard work, education, and unwavering commitment to public service.
