President Mahama swears in COP Yohuno as new IGP

President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), charging him with the critical task of eliminating corruption within the Ghana Police Service.
During the swearing-in ceremony, the President emphasized the detrimental impact of corruption in law enforcement, stating that it undermines justice and weakens public confidence in security agencies.
“Mr. IGP, your role will also involve rooting out corruption within the service. Corruption in law enforcement undermines justice and weakens public confidence in our security agencies,” President Mahama stated. “It is crucial that all forms of unethical behavior, from bribery to the abuse of power, are decisively dealt with.”
The appointment was made in accordance with Articles 91 and 202 of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State.

COP Yohuno Takes Over from Dampare
COP Yohuno, who was the immediate past Deputy IGP, replaces COP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
President Mahama commended the outgoing IGP for his dedicated service and contributions to law enforcement and national security.

“Dr. Dampare has served the nation with dedication and commitment, and his contributions will not be forgotten. We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors,” the President stated.

Commitment to police welfare and public safety
In his address, President Mahama reiterated the need for a police service that is respected both locally and internationally for its professionalism and integrity.
He stressed the importance of improving the welfare of police officers, acknowledging that policing is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice and dedication.
“Our officers must be well-remunerated, adequately housed, and given access to proper healthcare and psychological support,” he said. “A motivated police force is a productive police force.”
He also highlighted the crucial role of the Ghana Police Service in maintaining democracy, law, and order.
“Security is the foundation of development. Without safety and stability, businesses cannot thrive, children cannot go to school in peace, and our communities cannot prosper.”

Adapting to emerging security threats
President Mahama noted that traditional policing methods must evolve to confront new and emerging crimes, including violent crime, cybercrime, and fraud.
He underscored the need for the police service to adopt sophisticated investigative techniques to address organized crime and transnational threats such as terrorism.
“We face increasing incidents of violent crime, cybercrime, and fraud, as well as new forms of organized crime that demand sophisticated investigative techniques,” the President noted.
“The global security environment presents fresh challenges, from terrorism to transnational criminal networks, which require strong intelligence gathering and proactive law enforcement.”

Building public trust and confidence
The President reaffirmed that Ghanaians have high expectations of the police service and deserve a law enforcement agency that is fair, just, and accountable.
“Our people look to you for protection. They want to see a police service that is not only professional and disciplined but also one that is fair and just. They want to trust that when they report crimes, they receive a swift and impartial response,” he emphasized.
President Mahama urged COP Yohuno to lead with integrity, discipline, and innovation, ensuring that the Ghana Police Service continues to reform itself to meet the needs of an ever-changing society.

Leadership and accountability
Encouraging the new IGP to lead with vision and fairness, the President reminded him that leadership is not only about authority but also about service.
“Your leadership must inspire those under your command to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Your leadership will be measured not just by crime statistics, but by the trust and confidence the public has in the Ghana Police Service,” he said.

A vision for transformation
On his part, IGP Yohuno expressed his gratitude to President Mahama for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to uphold the values and traditions of the Ghana Police Service.
He assured that under his leadership, the service would align with the transformation and modernization agenda of the President.
“I pledge to uphold the values, traditions, and culture of the Ghana Police Service, consistent with the resetting agenda of the President,” he stated.
President Mahama concluded by urging all officers of the Ghana Police Service to support their new leader in ensuring a safer and more secure Ghana.