President John Dramani Mahama has approved a two-year post-retirement contract extension for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, allowing him to remain in office beyond his statutory retirement in December 2025.
The decision, communicated in a letter dated November 25, 2025 and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, follows a formal recommendation from the Police Council.
According to the letter, the extension takes effect from December 28, 2025, enabling the IGP to continue leading the Ghana Police Service and performing all responsibilities associated with the office.
This extends IGP Yohuno’s tenure to December 28, 2027.
The Police Council, chaired by Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, advised that Mr. Yohuno’s continued leadership is necessary to maintain operational stability, consolidate ongoing reforms, and strengthen the country’s internal security architecture at a crucial moment.
The Presidency noted that the Council’s position is based on its “firm conviction” that the IGP remains pivotal to the institutional progress being pursued within the Service.
Mr. Yohuno has been directed to formally accept the re-engagement within three days of receiving the communication.
Copies of the notice were also forwarded to the Vice-President, the Chief of Staff, and the Minister for the Interior.
The approval, however, contrasts sharply with President Mahama’s own directive issued on April 2, 2025, which suspended all post-retirement contract extensions across the public sector.
That directive, also signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, instructed that all ongoing, pending, or future requests for contract extensions be halted immediately, in line with the administration’s effort to curb the routine extension of tenures for retiring public officers.
The Constitution provides a framework under which such extensions may still be granted. Article 199(1) mandates that public officers retire at age 60, except where otherwise provided.
A 1996 amendment added Article 199(4), permitting post-retirement engagement “where the exigencies of the service require,” for periods not exceeding two years at a time and capped at five years in total.
The Presidency’s justification suggests that the IGP’s extension falls squarely within this constitutional provision, even as questions arise over the apparent departure from the government’s blanket freeze on such appointments earlier in the year.
Whether this exception will trigger further calls for clarity on the administration’s post-retirement contract policy remains to be seen, but for now, Ghana’s top police officer is set to remain at post for an additional two years.
Profile of Christian Tetteh Yohuno
COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno is a luminary security and law enforcement expert whose extensive career in national and international policing has been defined by exemplary leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication.
With more than four decades of experience, he has consistently delivered impactful solutions to contemporary crime challenges, earning respect in Ghana and internationally.
Rising to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIGP) in July 2024, Christian has been instrumental in shaping the operational framework of the Ghana Police Service. As DIGP, he has fostered strong collaboration between police leadership and operational units nationwide, ensuring effective communication, strategic implementation, and enhanced public safety.
His role in overseeing high-level operations and shaping national security policy continues to solidify his legacy as a transformative leader within the police force.
Mr Yohuno’s leadership journey within the Ghana Police Service spanned several decades and included a variety of key strategic roles.
As a member of the Police Management Board, he held responsibility for six critical portfolios at the Director-General level, including Administration, Special Duties, Motor Traffic and Transport, Police
Intelligence Directorate, Special Operations, and General Operations.
His leadership shaped policy decisions, oversaw national and regional operations, and implemented measures to address complex law enforcement issues.
Christian’s ability to manage multiple high-stakes areas within the police force simultaneously further solidified his reputation as a versatile and capable leader.
His career trajectory has also involved significant regional leadership. Mr Yohuno served as the Regional and Deputy Regional Commander for Greater Accra, where he was responsible for overseeing police operations across one of the most populous and dynamic regions in Ghana.
His performance in this role was widely praised for his efficient management of resources, coordination of security measures, and proactive crime prevention strategies.
Additionally, he held the positions of Regional Finance Officer and Divisional Commander, where his financial acumen and operational leadership ensured smooth functioning at the grassroots level,
facilitating public trust in the police service.
Christian’s policing career began in 1985 when he joined the Ghana Police Service as a recruit.
His rapid ascent through the ranks reflected his dedication and ability to apply his academic knowledge and practical skills to real-world policing challenges. Internationally, his expertise further distinguishes him from his peers.
Christian has participated in two significant United Nations peacekeeping missions,
contributing invaluably to global security efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and East Timor. Christian’s strategic contributions are numerous.
As the first Director-General of the Police Intelligence Directorate, he created a comprehensive intelligence framework that played a key role in solving high-profile cases, such as the Kwabenya Police Station attack and the murder of a Lebanese national in Tema.
His innovative initiatives, such as the Informant Reward System, incentivised public cooperation, leading to the dismantling of organised crime syndicates.
As Director-General of Operations, Christian was a driving force behind security strategies for major national events, including the 2016 General Elections and ECOWAS summits, where his calm and decisive leadership was crucial.
Christian excelled in his academic endeavours, achieving outstanding results in the GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels, which propelled him toward professional development in business and finance.
He earned an Intermediate Chartered Accountant certification from the Institute of Professional Studies in Legon before continuing his education at the University of Ghana, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Administration (Human Resources Management).
His academic pursuits culminated in an Executive MBA in Project Management, equipping him with strategic leadership and management skills essential for his law enforcement career.
Mr Yohuno’s relentless service has earned him several accolades.
In 1986, he was awarded the Best Recruit title at Winneba Depot, followed by the State Honour of Grand Medal in 2011 for his distinguished efforts in combating armed robbery.
His leadership and dedication have also earned him multiple promotions and distinctions, culminating in his 2024 appointment as Deputy inspector general of Police.
Under his guidance, the Ghana Police Service continues to evolve, focusing on addressing the root causes of crime, building public trust, and ensuring the safety and security of Ghanaians.
Christian’s career is also shaped by the mentorship of esteemed leaders, including Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye (former IGP), DCOP (Retd) Opare Addo, and Dr Anthony Kyereboah-Coleman of the University of Ghana Business School.
Beyond his professional achievements, Christian is a devoted family man, married with children. Outside of his demanding career, he enjoys reading, athletics, football, and music.
These hobbies provide him with balance and inspiration, allowing him to remain grounded and focused on his mission to protect and serve the nation.
