BY Daniel Bampoe
In a dramatic but calculated turn in the ongoing security sector overhaul, President John Dramani Mahama has approved a two-year post-retirement re-engagement contract for Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, despite a sweeping presidential directive issued in April 2025 that suspended all post-retirement contract appointments in the public service.
The decision, widely anticipated after intense lobbying and political maneuvering within the Ghana Police Service, underscores the administration’s belief that continuity at the top of the police hierarchy is vital in what insiders describe as a “politically sensitive period of institutional reforms and national security restructuring.”
Official Letter
In a formal communication signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the Jubilee House wrote: “Following the recommendation of the Police Council… His Excellency John Dramani Mahama… has approved your re-engagement for an additional two (2) years upon the attainment of the statutory retirement age in December 2025.”
“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.”
“The President’s decision reflects the Council’s firm conviction that your continued leadership is essential to sustaining ongoing reforms, strengthening operational effectiveness, and ensuring stability within the Ghana Police Service at this critical period.”
A Reversal of Mahama’s Own Ban on Post-Retirement Contracts
This development is notable because it comes just months after the Office of the President issued a high-profile directive — Rel. No. 3 108125 1363, dated 20 April 2025 — suspending all post-retirement contract appointments across the public sector.
The directive, issued by the same Secretary to the President, stated: “The grant of post-retirement contract appointments to retired public service staff has been suspended with immediate effect… all requests for such appointments will no longer be considered.”
The policy was intended to open opportunities for younger professionals, address complaints of recycling retirees, and improve succession planning.
The administration said at the time that it would enforce it strictly.
But the re-engagement of the IGP now appears to be one of the administration’s most significant exceptions.
Why Mahama Made the Exception
According to senior security officials, President Mahama’s decision was influenced by:
A unanimous Police Council recommendation insisting that Yohuno’s continuous leadership is crucial for stability.
Ongoing security reforms, including a contentious restructuring of intelligence and operations.
Electoral security considerations, with political tensions rising ahead of expected future polls.
A leadership vacuum risk, as the next line of senior officers is embroiled in internal disputes, political suspicions, and factional lobbying.
The administration is said to view Christian Tetteh Yohuno as a “safe pair of hands” during a delicate period.
Background: The Post-Dampare Shakeup
The path to this moment began earlier in the year when President Mahama removed Dr. George Akuffo Dampare shortly after assuming office in January 2025.
Dampare, who had lobbied fiercely to retain his job, was quietly replaced by his deputy, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, without official explanation.
George Akuffo Dampare is said to have traveled to the UK and has remained out of public life.
Yohuno, an experienced operations commander, assumed office on 14 March 2025, drawing immediate reactions:
The ruling NDC viewed him as a firm hand to realign the Police Service with new security priorities.
The NPP accused him of politicized policing, especially in his handling of opposition-related arrests and demonstrations.
Intense Lobbying and a Divided Police Hierarchy
Ahead of Christian Yohuno’s pending retirement, before the contract, the competition to succeed him had become fierce.
Potential successors included:
COP Lydia Donkor (CID Boss) — widely seen as the strongest contender, especially after her election to INTERPOL Africa’s Committee.
COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo Danquah — senior but operationally sidelined after a transfer to the Interior Ministry.
COP Vance Baba Gariba — respected for his operations background.
COP Dr. Sayibu Pabi Gariba — technically accomplished and highly regarded.
COP Osman Abdul Razak — the National Security Coordinator and former ADC to Mahama.
By maintaining IGP Yohuno, President Mahama ensures continuity in police leadership, faces criticism for reversing his own ban on post-retirement contracts, temporarily halts a divisive succession battle and aligns police leadership with his broader national security reforms.
But the move also raises questions about consistency, constitutional fidelity, and political influence over security institutions.
For now, Christian Tetteh Yohuno remains in charge until December 2027 — a defining decision that will shape the future of the Ghana Police Service and the Mahama administration’s security legacy.
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, Yohunu had 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.
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.
