In a significant shift in Ghana’s security leadership, President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohunu as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), replacing Dr George Akuffo Dampare.
The appointment, announced on 13 March 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s law enforcement landscape as the Mahama administration implements changes to key security institutions.
This executive decision, made following Articles 91 and 202 of the 1992 Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State, brings to the helm of Ghana’s police service a veteran officer with four decades of distinguished service.
The appointment comes at a crucial time when the Ghana Police Service is undergoing significant reforms. Yohunu’s extensive experience positions him as a strategic choice to lead these transformation efforts.
Yohunu’s distinguished four-decade career in law enforcement COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu (PO 001731), born on December 27, 1965, brings to his new role a wealth of experience spanning over 40 years in law enforcement, having risen through the ranks with exceptional dedication and professionalism.
His career trajectory reflects a pattern of consistent growth, marked by increasing responsibilities and recognition for his contributions to Ghana’s security apparatus.
He reportedly was recruited into the Ghana Police Service as a lance corporal on August 1, 1985.
Most recently, Yohunu served as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, a position to which former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed him on 17 July 2024.
This previous appointment acknowledged his exceptional credentials and dedication to duty, as recognized by the Police Council at that time.
Yohunu’s career has been punctuated by several promotions that reflect his exceptional service. He was promoted to Commissioner of Police (COP) on 1 January 2016, during John Mahama’s previous administration, signalling the cross-partisan recognition of his capabilities.
Before this, in January 2012, he was elevated to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), further testament to his steady rise within the service hierarchy.
A significant milestone in his career came in 2011 when he was awarded the Grand Medal, one of Ghana’s highest civilian honours, for his meritorious service in combating armed robbery and other criminal activities throughout the country, as noted by ABC News Ghana.
This recognition underscored his effectiveness in addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing security challenges at the time.
COP Yohunu’s regional command and administrative leadership
Throughout his career, COP Yohunu has held various strategic positions that have prepared him for the demands of the IGP role.
Between November 2007 and May 2009, he served as the Divisional Commander for Accra Central whilst simultaneously functioning as the Accra Regional Operations Commander, demonstrating his capacity to handle multiple high-responsibility roles.
This dual function provided him with critical experience in managing complex urban security challenges in Ghana’s capital. His leadership capabilities led to his appointment as Deputy Accra Regional Commander, from which he rose to become the Regional Commander in 2013, a position he held until 5 December 2015.
The breadth of Yohunu’s experience extends beyond traditional policing to specialised areas of law enforcement. After his tenure as Regional Commander, he was appointed as Director-General of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), where he implemented key reforms that significantly improved road safety outcomes.
His administrative acumen was further recognised when he was later appointed as Director-General of Administration at the Ghana Police Service, a role that equipped him with vital experience in the management and governance aspects of the institution.
These diverse leadership positions have given Yohunu a comprehensive understanding of the various facets of police work, from operational tactics to strategic administration.
Educational Background and Professional Development
COP Yohunu’s rise to Ghana’s top police position is underpinned by a solid educational foundation that complements his practical experience.
His academic journey began at the prestigious Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School.
Yohunu pursued a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana, enhancing his theoretical knowledge of governance, security, and social issues. Recognising the increasing complexity of police administration, he further equipped himself with an Executive MBA in Project Management from the Institute of Professional Studies, now known as the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
This specialised training in project management has proven valuable in his approach to implementing and overseeing complex police operations and organisational reforms. Yohunu’s educational pursuits reflect his commitment to continuous professional development, a quality that has distinguished him throughout his career.
The combination of practical experience and academic knowledge has equipped him with both the tactical expertise needed for effective policing and the strategic vision required for institutional leadership.
This balanced background positions him well to address the multifaceted challenges facing Ghana’s police service in contemporary times, from technological adaptation to community-oriented policing strategies.
Throughout his extensive career, COP Yohunu has cultivated a reputation for efficiency, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. His leadership philosophy emphasises transparency, accountability, and meaningful community engagement, principles that have earned him widespread respect from both his peers within the service and the general public.
These values align with modern policing approaches that recognise the importance of police-community relations in effective law enforcement. Yohunu’s emphasis on transparency comes at a crucial time when public trust in police institutions across the globe faces significant challenges, making his leadership approach particularly relevant to contemporary policing needs.
The appointment of COP Yohunu as IGP comes at a significant moment in Ghana’s political landscape. It marks one of the key leadership changes implemented by President Mahama’s administration as it seeks to restructure key security institutions.
The transition from Dr George Akuffo Dampare to Yohunu represents not just a change in personnel, but potentially signals new directions in policing priorities and approaches. The government has expressed confidence in Yohunu’s ability to lead the service effectively, ensuring enhanced professionalism and security across the country.
It is worth noting that Yohunu’s previous appointment as Deputy IGP in July 2024 generated some controversy, with legal challenges questioning the constitutional basis of the appointment,
This history adds a layer of complexity to the current appointment, as Yohunu now assumes the very position that some analysts previously suggested he was effectively running from his deputy role. His performance in the coming months will be closely watched against this backdrop of recent police leadership dynamics.
As the new IGP, COP Yohunu faces several significant challenges that will test his leadership capabilities. The Ghana Police Service is currently undergoing critical reforms aimed at modernising operations, improving community relations, and addressing emerging security threats. Yohunu’s extensive experience in various aspects of policing will be crucial in guiding these reforms whilst maintaining operational effectiveness.
The public will be looking to him to address persistent issues such as armed robbery, cyber-crime, and political violence whilst upholding professional standards within the force. Another key expectation will be Yohunu’s ability to maintain the political neutrality of the police service.
Given that his appointment comes from a president of a different political affiliation than his previous appointer, his actions will be scrutinised for any signs of political bias. His four decades of service across multiple administrations suggests a professional approach that transcends political considerations, but the challenges of maintaining this stance in Ghana’s sometimes polarised political environment should not be underestimated.
As he assumes this prestigious role, the expectations are high that his leadership will enhance the professionalism, effectiveness, and public trust in the Ghana Police Service. The coming months will reveal how his leadership philosophy and extensive experience translate into practical reforms and operational improvements in Ghana’s law enforcement landscape.
For now, his appointment signals a significant moment in Ghana’s security governance, bringing to the fore a career officer whose professional journey embodies dedication to public service and excellence in law enforcement.
