The National Chairman of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has raised concerns over President Akufo-Addo’s appointment of Christian Tetteh Yohonu to a nonexistent position within the Ghana Police Service. 

According to Mr. Asiedu Nketia, the Constitutional Instrument (76) establishing the Police Council does not recognise the role of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in Charge of Operations.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia questioned the rationale behind appointing a Deputy IGP in charge of Operations when there is already a Director-General of Operations at the Police Management Board (POMAB). 

He suggested that this new position is intended to create conflict between Mr Yohonu and his superior, Dr. George Akufo-Dampare, as part of the President’s strategy of using rewards and punishments to control the police force.

In an exclusive interview on the Dwabo morning show, co-hosted by Dr. Desmond Kofi Annan and Harrison Kweku Ofori on Accra-based CTV on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Mr. Asiedu Nketia claimed that Mr Yohonu’s appointment is designed to undermine Dr. Dampare’s authority, particularly concerning police operations such as recruitment and election security. 

He alleged that the President's motive is to manipulate police operations during elections.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia also recalled a similar incident involving the appointment of Mr. Oppong Bonuah as Deputy IGP. 

He alleged that Mr. Bonuah was directed to conduct questionable activities during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in the Greater Accra Region without the then IGP’s knowledge. 

He further alleged that upon the retirement of IGP David Asante-Appeatu, his Deputy was promoted to the substantive IGP role, leading to election-related violence that saw eight people killed and these have gone unquestioned.