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Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has strongly criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, over a recent statement made during his visit to Bawku. The IGP had suggested that individuals who lay down their arms could be considered for recruitment into the Ghana Police Service — a comment that Annoh-Dompreh described as reckless and deeply troubling.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Minority to address the ongoing Bawku crisis, Annoh-Dompreh questioned the appropriateness of the IGP’s remarks, especially given the sensitivity of the conflict.
“The comment of the IGP — this is purported to be his major public statement ever since he was appointed. And maybe he made that statement just on the spur of the moment, but it is clearly an unfortunate statement,” he said.
“It is most unfortunate to say that if you lay down your arms, you’ll be considered for recruitment. It is out of place. If any other person said this, yes, we may not attach seriousness. But coming from the IGP — and the ramifications of that statement — it is critical,” Annoh-Dompreh added.
He warned that such a declaration from the country’s top police officer could set a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging similar actions in other parts of the country facing instability.
“Does it mean that people from other parts of the country will also just fight, and then when they lay down their arms, they will be considered for recruitment into the police service?” he asked.
Annoh-Dompreh urged the IGP to retract or reconsider the statement, noting that it could undermine the credibility of law enforcement and embolden violent actors in other volatile regions.
The Bawku conflict, which has persisted for years, has seen renewed violence in recent months, prompting widespread national concern. In response, President John Mahama has pledged support for the Asantehene-led peace initiative, confirming that the mediation process, under the leadership of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is set to resume next week as part of renewed efforts to restore peace in the troubled region.
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