Nat’l Tymes News Desk
THE INSPECTOR General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, will stay in office until 2027 after President John Mahama approved a two‑year contract extension.
Jubilee House announced the decision, which followed intense lobbying by senior officers, especially Deputy IGP‑designate COP Lydia Yaako‑Donkor, Director‑General of the Criminal Investigations Department.
Widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed Yohuno, COP Yaako‑Donkor led a campaign within the Police Council, backed by Chief Inspector Angel Lolo, the junior‑ranks representative, and other senior officers.
They argued that Yohuno, who took office in December 2025 at nearly 60, needs more time to finish reforms, particularly the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) and to improve junior officers’ welfare.
Critics say the extension clashes with the Mahama administration’s earlier stance against contract extensions for public servants. Solomon Owusu, communications director of the United Party, defended the move, citing Article 199(4) of the constitution and noting that the presidency only suspended, not cancelled, such extensions.
Within the force, Yohuno is praised for restoring morale after the chaotic tenure of his predecessor, Dr George Akuffo‑Dampare, who was blamed for neglecting officer welfare. Junior officers, represented by Chief Inspector Lolo, have voiced strong support for Yohuno’s continued leadership. If the extension stands, Yohuno will serve just over two years, giving him time to push his reform agenda.
The succession race now points to COP Yaako‑Donkor as the likely first female deputy IGP, though no formal appointment has been announced. Other potential successors include COP Sebastian Atsu Wemegah (ICT), COP Mohammed Fuseini Suraji (National Patrol), COP Vance Baba Gariba (Operations) and COP Daniel Kwame Afriyie (Private Security Organisations).
Source: Nationaltymes.com
