President John Mahama has officially granted a two-year contract extension to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, allowing him to continue leading the Ghana Police Service beyond his statutory retirement age in December 2025. This significant decision, communicated in an official letter signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, follows a firm recommendation by the Police Council. The re-engagement is set to take effect from 28 December 2025, ensuring Mr. Yohuno remains in his role as IGP and continues to execute all associated duties until 2027.

The presidency justified the extension by emphasizing the need for continuity, stability, and the consolidation of ongoing reforms within the Service. The official communication highlighted the Council’s strong conviction that IGP Yohuno's sustained leadership is crucial for maintaining ongoing reforms, bolstering operational effectiveness, and guaranteeing stability within the Ghana Police Service during this critical period. Mr. Yohuno, who was appointed IGP by President Mahama in consultation with the Council of State on March 13, 2025, and sworn in a day later, replaced Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. Prior to his appointment, he served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations since July 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo. He has been asked to confirm his acceptance of the renewed appointment in writing within three days.

The decision has, however, sparked debate, with varying perspectives on its implications for the Ghana Police Service. South Tongu Member of Parliament (MP), Maxwell Lukutor, has staunchly defended the proposed extension, asserting its lawfulness and dismissing claims that it threatens morale within the force. In an interview, Lukutor challenged critics to provide evidence for their assertions regarding demotivated officers, suggesting reliance on credible research institutions like Afrobarometer for scientific measurement of morale. He argued that the Constitution empowers the President to extend the IGP's tenure, rendering the backlash unnecessary. Lukutor also dismissed concerns that the extension would impede the career progression of senior officers, describing such fears as exaggerated. He underscored that such extensions are not unprecedented, signifying a vote of confidence in the IGP by both the President and the Police Service, and noted that IGP Yohuno, having served less than a year, has already played a vital role in stabilizing the security environment, making a replacement disruptive to ongoing reforms. He believes that after the two-year period, another qualified officer will have the opportunity to lead.

Conversely, former Deputy Defence Minister Kofi Amankwah-Manu has sharply criticized the Police Council’s recommendation, labeling the move as a “sorry state” that could severely undermine morale within the Ghana Police Service. In an interview on JoyNews, Amankwah-Manu contended that extending the IGP’s tenure beyond his mandatory retirement would obstruct the career advancement of dedicated officers who have worked hard with aspirations of rising through the ranks. He argued that such a decision does not foster fairness and motivation within the Service, stressing that the leadership succession system must remain predictable and merit-based. According to Amankwah-Manu, extending the contract sends a detrimental signal to officers committed to institutional growth, potentially eroding trust, fairness, and future leadership development. He emphasized that officers need to work towards an objective, knowing they can be recognized and potentially appointed IGP, and that "cutting them off because of one person is, for me, a sorry state."

As the Ghana Police Service navigates crucial reforms and national security operations, the two-year contract extension for IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno presents a complex scenario, balancing the perceived benefits of stability and continuity against concerns regarding officer morale and career progression. The ultimate impact of this decision on the Service's future will be closely watched.