By Francis Kobena Tandoh
President John Dramani Mahama has approved a two-year re-engagement for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, according to a statement from the presidency on Tuesday.
Even though Mr Yohuno was set to retire in December 2025, the decision came after a formal recommendation by the Police Council.
The statement signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, announced that the extension takes effect from 28 December 2025, and Yohuno will continue to carry out all his duties.
“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 years upon the attainment of the statutory retirement age in December 2025,” read the statement.
According to the presidency, the extension is needed for continuity, stability, and to consolidate ongoing reforms within the Ghana Police Service.
The Police Council believes Yohuno’s leadership is “crucial at this moment” due to the reforms and modernisation efforts underway.
There is a legal provision for extending service beyond retirement age: under Ghanaian law, a public servant who reaches the mandatory retirement age (60) can be re-engaged for “not more than two (2) years at a time.”
Yohuno was born on December 27, 1965, so his retirement was expected at that time; this extension utilises that legal allowance.
A former Deputy Defence Minister (Kofi Amankwah-Manu) has criticised the move, arguing that it could kill morale in the police service, because it blocks upward mobility for other officers.
Some see this as a precedent — especially given earlier controversies over extending contracts for other senior police officers.
Extending Yohuno’s tenure could help maintain momentum in whatever reform agenda the Police Service is currently pursuing.
But it raises valid concerns about career progression for other senior officers. Such extensions are often watched closely — they can be seen as politically driven or as merit-based — depending on the context.
For the public, continued leadership in the Police Service could either boost confidence if things are improving or deepen scrutiny if people feel promotions are being blocked. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the letter from the Office of the President below:
