According to recent reports, former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Paul Tawiah Quaye has died following a bout of illness. Although his family has not officially confirmed the news and specific details are still emerging, the law enforcement community is already honoring his legacy of service.
Appointed to the top police post by the late President John Evans Atta Mills in 2009, Mr. Quaye was highly regarded for his efforts to restore public confidence and instill strict discipline within the force. He championed various reforms designed to elevate professional standards and ensure officers maintained excellent conduct. Affectionately known as the “gentle giant” by his peers due to his composed yet resolute leadership style, he eventually concluded his distinguished career with the Ghana Police Service, retiring in 2013.
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UN Envoy Commends Former IGP Dampare for Enhancing Police Discipline
Report by Laud Nartey | March 21, 2026
United Nations Peace Ambassador, Bishop Dr. Samuel Ben Owusu, has lauded the strong sense of discipline currently prevailing within the Ghana Police Service. He attributed this positive professional environment to the groundwork established by the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. Additionally, he commended the serving IGP, Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohunu, for sustaining and expanding upon his predecessor’s legacy.
Speaking in a recent video broadcast, Bishop Owusu highlighted Ghana’s ongoing peace and stability, emphasizing that Dr. Dampare deserves significant recognition for his role in reforming the police force. “Despite a few shortcomings, security analysts agree that Dr. Dampare established a robust culture of discipline, paving the way for IGP Yohunu to further elevate those standards,” he noted, expressing his hope that this trajectory continues.
Shifting his focus to broader national security, the UN Envoy urgently appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to name a permanent Minister of Defence. He warned that operating without an official head for the ministry puts the nation at significant risk.
The Defence Minister position has lacked a permanent appointee for nearly a year following the tragic death of Dr. Edward Omane Boamh, who perished alongside five others in a helicopter crash. Since that incident, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been stepping in as the acting Defence Minister.
Bishop Owusu stressed the critical need for a dedicated minister, arguing rhetorically that if the role were truly non-essential to the country’s survival, the entire ministry might as well be dissolved. “While the President and security forces have managed affairs well so far, functioning for almost a year without a substantive Defence Minister is a serious oversight that requires immediate rectification,” he asserted.
Finally, while praising the President’s overall efforts in maintaining a peaceful nation, Owusu issued a stark warning regarding youth unemployment. He identified the lack of jobs for young people as a critical threat to national stability, cautioning that the situation could easily spiral out of control if not proactively addressed.