The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu Constituency, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has sparked debate over the age of the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, suggesting that further scrutiny is required regarding his tenure in the Ghana Police Service.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, in the presence of the new IGP—who had accompanied the Minister for the Interior to brief the House on urgent security matters—Afenyo-Markin referenced an official statement from the Minister of Government Communications, which stated that COP Yohuno had served in the Ghana Police Service for forty years.
Given that the IGP is reportedly 60 years old, the Effutu legislator raised questions about the age at which he joined the service.
“The Minister, in his answer, introduced the new IGP. I want to congratulate him on his appointment. Suffice it to say that, in the statement from the Minister responsible for Government Communications, he told the country that the new IGP has spent forty years in the service. Forty years as a police officer—so at the right time, we will calculate whether he entered at age 20, 19, or 18, his age and all,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He added, “That is just by the way. I wish him well. I am only doing the mathematics as to whether the IGP is going to retire very soon. But Mr Speaker, that’s beside the point.”
Implications of the Age Debate
The age debate surrounding IGP Yohuno raises key questions about police leadership, tenure, and succession planning within Ghana’s security apparatus. Some critics argue that focusing on his age rather than his capabilities undermines the critical need for experienced leadership in law enforcement. However, others believe that clarity on the retirement timeline of senior police officers is necessary to ensure transparency and succession planning.
There have been instances where Commissioners of Police, upon reaching the retirement age of 60, were granted extensions of one or two years to serve as IGPs. Whether COP Yohuno will follow a similar path remains uncertain.
Profile of IGP COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno
With over four decades in law enforcement, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno has held multiple leadership positions within the Ghana Police Service, earning a reputation for his dedication to public safety, crime prevention, and professional excellence.
In July 2024, he was appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, following the recommendation of the Police Council. Before that, he served as Accra Central Divisional Commander (2007-2009), Accra Regional Operations Commander, Deputy Accra Regional Commander, and Accra Regional Commander (2013).
In December 2015, he was appointed Director-General of the Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) before being reassigned as Director-General of Administration in 2016. His contributions to Ghana’s security landscape were recognized in 2011 when he was awarded the Grand Medal for his efforts in combating armed robbery and other criminal activities.
COP Yohuno received a special promotion to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) in January 2012 and was later elevated to Commissioner of Police (COP) on January 1, 2016, by then-President John Mahama.
Educational Background and Leadership Vision
COP Yohuno’s educational journey underscores his commitment to professional development. He attended Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School before earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana and an Executive MBA in Project Management from the Institute of Professional Studies (now UPSA).
As he assumes office as IGP, he faces the critical task of strengthening law enforcement, improving police professionalism, and restoring public confidence in the Ghana Police Service. His leadership will be instrumental in tackling crime, enforcing discipline within the force, and implementing reforms to enhance operational efficiency.
With his vast experience and strategic vision, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno is expected to lead the Ghana Police Service into a new era of efficiency, accountability, and transformation.
