President John Dramani Mahama has intensified his restructuring of Ghana’s security sector with the appointment of new heads for the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), and Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). 

This latest shake-up follows the swearing-in of Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP) today.

A statement issued by the Presidency on Friday, March 14, 2025, and signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, announced the appointments:

- DDGP 3 Patience Baffoe-Bonnie replaces Isaac Kofi Egyir as Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service.

- DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong replaces Julius A. Kuunuor as Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service.

- DCI Samuel Basentale replaces Kwame Asuah Takyi as Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service.

These appointments mark a significant leadership transition within Ghana’s security services, as President Mahama seeks to modernise and strengthen these institutions.

Renewed vision for security services

The changes come just a day after President Mahama swore in COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as IGP, replacing Dr George Akuffo Dampare. According to the Presidency, the security leadership changes were made in accordance with Articles 91 and 202 of the 1992 Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State.

With these new appointments, the President is signalling a renewed vision for Ghana’s security services, focusing on modernisation, operational efficiency, and national security enhancement. The reshuffle is expected to bring fresh leadership and strengthen coordination among Ghana’s security agencies.

Expectations for the new security chiefs

The newly appointed security heads are expected to tackle key challenges within their institutions, including prison overcrowding and rehabilitation efforts, fire safety improvements, and enhanced border security measures.

With DDGP 3 Patience Baffoe-Bonnie leading the Ghana Prisons Service, expectations are high that her administration will prioritise prison decongestion, inmate welfare, and rehabilitation programmes.

DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, now at the helm of the Ghana National Fire Service, is tasked with improving fire response capabilities, enhancing public fire safety education, and modernising firefighting infrastructure.

For the Ghana Immigration Service, DCI Samuel Basentale’s appointment comes at a crucial time when border security, illegal migration, and transnational crime remain critical concerns. His leadership is expected to strengthen enforcement operations and improve immigration processes.

Security overhaul in motion

With four key security leadership changes in just two days, President Mahama has signalled a broader restructuring agenda aimed at enhancing professionalism, accountability, and efficiency in Ghana’s security sector.

As the new appointees take office, all eyes will be on how they implement reforms to improve Ghana’s security landscape and address the critical challenges facing their respective institutions.