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• Three COPs Scheme to Jump the Line
The calm at the top of the Ghana Police Service is cracking, with growing whispers that some of the IGP’s own men are plotting against him. What began as quiet talk in corridors has turned into a full-blown succession war, as three Commissioners of Police allegedly scheme to jump the line and seize the top job before their time through backdoor lobbying and quiet acts of sabotage.
According to respected security analyst and former police administrator Amolebna Yine Paul, at least three Commissioners of Police, COP Dr Sayibu Pabi Gariba, COP Alhaji Iddi Lansa Seidu, and COP Dr Vance Baba Gariba, are allegedly leading a subtle campaign to position themselves as successors to the current IGP, Dr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who is due for retirement.
In an article titled “Indisciplined Commissioners on Rampage,” Mr Yine Paul accused the officers of using “assigns and agents” to court the attention of President John Dramani Mahama in an attempt to influence his eventual choice of a new police chief.
“This growing desperation by some senior officers is not only unbecoming of their rank; it is an assault on the very discipline and honour upon which the Ghana Police Service was built,” he wrote.
He stressed that the position of IGP “is not a political trophy to be campaigned for in dark corners or through planted media narratives,” insisting that it remains the exclusive constitutional prerogative of the President.
‘You can’t scheme your way to the top’
Mr Yine Paul said the named officers had “thrown the sacred principle of command and control to the wind,” despite being junior to several members of the Police Management Board (POMAB).
“They forget that they are juniors to at least four other Commissioners,” he stated. “What message would that send to the thousands of young officers watching them if a junior were imposed over his seniors simply because of underhand lobbying?”
He described their alleged conduct, including subtle acts of defiance and counter-directives meant to undermine the IGP’s authority, as “betrayal, not ambition.”
“When you deliberately counter the lawful directives of your superior, you are not showing readiness to lead. You are showing contempt for the institution that gave you your badge,” he warned.
Praise for Yohuno’s steady leadership
Defending the current IGP, Mr Yine Paul said Yohuno had shown “steady hands and firm leadership” since assuming office, restoring calm, professionalism, and focus within the Service.
“He has demonstrated that leadership in the Ghana Police Service is not about noise or headlines — it is about quiet, resolute action that strengthens the bond between the Police and the citizenry,” he said.
He cautioned that the alleged scheming by the three Commissioners could fracture morale, unity, and discipline within the ranks if not checked.
‘COP Lydia Donkor’s name was dragged unfairly’
The article also absolved COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), of any involvement in the succession talk, describing her inclusion in speculative reports as “a mischievous ploy.”
“COP Lydia Donkor has distinguished herself through competence and professionalism. Dragging her good name into this circus is an injustice that all fair-minded Ghanaians must condemn,” Mr Yine Paul wrote.
‘History will not forgive betrayal’
Mr Yine Paul urged the alleged schemers to “pause and reflect,” warning that no amount of flattery or propaganda would influence President Mahama’s eventual decision.
“The President will not be deceived by flattery or propaganda. Ghana will not applaud your schemes. And your colleagues will not respect you for your desperation,” he cautioned.
Calling for restraint and unity, he reminded officers that “leadership is not seized, it is entrusted.”
“The Ghana Police Service belongs to the Republic, not to the ambitions of a few. Once ambition begins to override loyalty, the Service will lose the moral right to enforce law and order,” he warned.
He concluded with a call for the Service to “return to its creed: Service with Integrity,” urging officers to silence rumours and focus on their sworn duty to protect lives and property.
“History will judge you not by how fast you rose, but by how faithfully you served,” he wrote.
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