Don’t ‘overlobby’ for IGP position – Asante-Apeatu tells ambitious officers

In advice to police officers eying the top job in the police service, the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, David Asante-Apeatu has stressed the importance of still maintaining personal relationships within the service.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service at St George Catholic in his honour, Mr Asante-Appeatu reminded that life in the police service will not last forever.

“I see [the potential of] many of you becoming IGPs while I am still alive. What I will humbly advise is not to outmaneuver and over lobby for it. You will certainly retire from the service. Do not strive to achieve this aim at all cost at the expense of the friendships that you have built.”

Mr. Asante-Appeatu also thanked the President “For the honour given me to serve my country in the capacity of Inspector General of Police.”

Mr. Asante-Apeatu retired from the service on August 14, 2019.

He had been directed to proceed on leave ahead of his retirement.

President Nana Akufo-Addo asked the Deputy Inspector General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh, to serve in acting capacity until a substantive IGP is appointed.

David Asante Apeatu first became IGP of the Ghana Police Service on January 25, 2017.

Before his appointment, he was the head of the General ICT Department at the Police Headquarters as well as the head of the Marine Police.

He had also served as the Director-General in charge of Research and Director-General of the Police CID.