In a significant leadership change, 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 announcement was made in a statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
The decision, citing constitutional provisions, is likely to spark mixed reactions from the public.
It follows calls from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and think tanks, including IMANI Africa, urging the government to retain Dr. Dampare due to the reforms and initiatives he implemented during his tenure.
IMANI Africa and security expert Professor Kwesi Aning have jointly filed a suit at the Supreme Court seeking to restrain the president from removing the IGP and other heads of security agencies until an ongoing case regarding such appointments is decided in May 2025. The plaintiffs argue that removing these officials before the court’s ruling would be unfair.
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Despite these legal efforts, President Mahama has proceeded with the appointment of COP Yohunu, signalling a new direction for the Ghana Police Service.
COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu brings nearly 40 years of experience to the role, earning a reputation as a crime-fighting stalwart with exceptional leadership and expertise in policing. His career has been marked by consistent growth, increasing responsibilities, and significant contributions to Ghana’s security apparatus.
Just a year ago, on July 17, 2024, he was appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This appointment was a testament to his dedication and credentials, as recognised by the Police Council at the time.
COP Yohunu’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Ghana Police Service. His leadership is expected to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor while addressing emerging security challenges.
As Ghana navigates this transition, the focus remains on ensuring stability, professionalism, and public trust in the police service.