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…..With two-year extension for IGP Yohuno
President John Dramani Mahama, has approved a two-year post-retirement extension for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, in a decision that appears to contradict his own administration’s firm stance against contract appointments for retired public officers.
A letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Calistus Mahama, and dated Tuesday, 25 November 2025, conveyed the President’s approval following a recommendation from the Police Council. The extension allows Mr Yohuno, who turns 60 on 27 December 2025, to continue leading the Ghana Police Service beyond the statutory retirement age.
“His Excellency… has approved your re-engagement for an additional two (2) years upon the attainment of the statutory retirement age in December 2025,” the letter stated. The extension takes effect from 28 December 2025.
According to the communication, the Police Council believes Mr Yohuno’s continued stay in office is “essential to sustaining ongoing reforms, strengthening operational effectiveness, and ensuring stability within the Ghana Police Service at this critical period.” The IGP has been asked to confirm his acceptance in writing within three days.
The decision comes despite a widely publicized presidential directive this year, suspending all post-retirement contract appointments across the public service.
The directive, issued in a “green letter” dated 2 April 2025 and signed by Dr Calistus Mahama, 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.”
Earlier, President Mahama won applause during his State of the Nation Address on 27 February 2025, declaring that post-retirement contracts distort public sector progression and would no longer be permitted.
Critics are therefore interpreting the IGP’s extension as a clear exception to the rule, one that undermines the consistency of the President’s own reforms.
The impending extension has generated considerable disquiet within the Ghana Police Service. Several senior officers have described the move as discriminatory, given that others have been compelled to retire under the same directive.
Among those who proceeded on mandatory retirement is COP Sebastian Atsu Wemegah, who exited the Service on 6 August 2025. In contrast, COP Martin Kwaku Ayiih, scheduled to retire on 28 June 2025, remained in office as at Friday, 22 August.
More controversially, COP Michael Nketia Frempong, Director-General of Finance, has also been granted a two-year post-retirement contract.
This followed a letter dated 16 July 2025, signed by Mr Yohuno himself, confirming the extension just three days before Frempong was due to begin terminal leave. The letter praised his “rich professional and management experiences” and assured him that all salaries and entitlements would remain unchanged.
These inconsistencies have fuelled perceptions of bias and political interference, with some officers accusing the administration of selectively applying the retirement policy.
Tensions heightened in recent weeks amid reports that the IGP had been lobbying for his own contract extension. Neither the Police Service nor Mr Yohuno has publicly addressed the claims.
He enlisted in the Service on 1 August 1985 with Service Number PO 001731 and is scheduled to retire on his 60th birthday after completing terminal leave, on December 27, 2025.
Political observers have noted that the developments mirror practices heavily criticised under the previous Akufo-Addo administration, where contract extensions for favoured officers were viewed as undermining discipline and blocking career progression for younger personnel.
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