Thursday, 31 October

Former CID boss questions Dep IGP in charge of operations position

General News
Bright Oduro

Mr. Bright Oduro, the former Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, has criticized the government's decision to create a new, non-existent office for the recently appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohonu.

In an interview on the 505 evening news analysis programme hosted by Valentina Afriyie on Class 91.3 FM on Thursday, July 18, 2024, Mr. Oduro pointed out that according to Constitutional Instrument (C.I 76), there is provision for only one Deputy Inspector-General of Police. 

He questioned the rationale behind the new position, stating that Mr. Yohonu, by virtue of his appointment, should oversee police administration as well as operations in the absence of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

"Why create a position that does not exist for him to head?" Mr. Oduro queried. 

He expressed concern over the necessity of a Deputy IGP in charge of Operations when there is already a Commissioner responsible for operations as part of the organogram of the Police Management Board.

He suggested that the new position might have been created with the upcoming elections in mind, fueling speculation among the public.

Mr. Oduro also argued that the Police Council, being aware of C.I 76, should have advised the appointing authority against creating a new Deputy position. 

He emphasized that the council includes retired and junior officers, and the IGP should be knowledgeable about the law regarding a single Deputy IGP.

When asked whether the creation of the new position could be used to influence the outcome of the December 7, 2024, elections, Mr. Oduro dismissed the notion. 

He explained that neither the IGP nor his Deputy have the power to influence election outcomes, as these people would not be directly engaged in field operations during the elections

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah