Muntaka: President Mahama holds sole authority over retention of security agency heads

The Minister-Designate for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has clarified that the authority to retain or remove the heads of Ghana’s security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, lies exclusively with President John Dramani Mahama.

During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, 24th January, Muntaka emphasised that his role as Interior Minister would be limited to making recommendations, with the final decision resting solely in the hands of the President.  

The clarification was in response to a question posed by the Committee’s Ranking Member, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who sought to understand the Minister-Designate’s position on whether the current IGP would retain his role under the new administration.  

In recent weeks, there have been rumours on social media about the removal of the IGP, sparking public debate and adding further scrutiny to the vetting process.

Addressing these concerns, Muntaka stressed that decisions regarding the leadership of security agencies would be guided by the President’s vision and objectives.  

“I can assure you that there will be assessment of all team members, and President John Dramani Mahama has a vision and objective for which Ghanaians have voted for him, and all that will be reviewed in line,” Muntaka explained.  

He added, “And those who will be harmful in assisting him in the national interest will be dealt with. But I will not be able to deal with specific individuals and determine who stays or goes. I do not have that power. I can only make recommendations to the President.”  

The Minister-Designate’s comments come amidst heightened public interest in the leadership of Ghana’s security agencies as the new administration begins to implement its policies and priorities.