President John Mahama has approved a recommendation of the Police Council for a two-year re-engagement for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
In a letter dated November 25, 2025 and signed by Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, the President said the appointment extension for the IGP takes effect from December 28, 2025.
But this latest news has raised eyebrows coming at a time the same government has assured it was not going to endorse the extension of contract for any public servant due for retirement.
Recall that earlier this year, the government issued a statement stressing this point, a measure many thought was a clear departure from what used to be a rampant occurrence in the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government. Previously, some had waged a crusade for appointing authorities to quit the business of extending people’s appointments so others can be promoted in their lines of work
In a directive issued on April 2, 2025 and by the Secretary to the President, announced a halt to the granting of such appointment with immediate effect.
“The grant of post-retirement contract appointments to retired public service staff has been suspended with immediate effect”, the statement said.
It indicated that all current or future requests for contract extensions involving retired personnel will no longer be allowed.
“Consequently, all requests for such appointments will no longer be considered” it added.
The IGP is due for statutory retirement age in December 2025. This new two-year re-engagement means that the IGP will now go on retirement in December 2027.
The letter explained that the President’s decision reflects the Council’s firm conviction that the IGP’s continued leadership is essential to sustaining ongoing reforms, strengthening operational effectiveness, and ensuring stability within the Ghana Police Service.
“I write to inform you that, following the recommendation of the Police Council and in accordance with the relevant provisions governing the administration of the Ghana Police Service, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic, has approved your re-engagement for an additional two (2) years
“Your re-engagement takes effect from 28th December, 2025. During this period, you shall continue to serve as the Inspector-General of Police and discharge the duties and responsibilities attached to the office.
“You are kindly requested to indicate your acceptance of this re-engagement in writing within three days upon receipt of this letter. Please accept, Mr. Inspector-General, the assurances of the highest consideration of His Excellency the President,” the letter stated.
The two-year re-engagement follows a recommendation by the Police Council.
President John Dramani Mahama in consultation with the Council of State appointed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno on March 13, 2025.
He was officially sworn into office on March 14, 2025. Mr. Yohuno replaced Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
Before his appointment as IGP, he served as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, a position he was appointed to by former President Nana Akufo-Addo in July 2024.
Mr. Yohuno is a veteran law enforcement officer with over 40 years of experience within the Ghana Police Service, having held various key positions, including Director-General of Operations, Director-General of the Police Intelligence Directorate, and Regional Commander for Greater Accra.
His appointment was part of a leadership transition in the Ghana Police Service and was met with both support and some controversy and public debate regarding the timing and the potential motivations behind the change
By Gifty Boateng