President John Mahama has sworn into office COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP) at a short ceremony at the Jubilee House on Friday, March 14, 2025.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, top police officials, and other high-profile personalities.
Speaking at the event, President Mahama charged COP Yohuno to build a service that earns public trust, describing him as an officer of integrity.
“Today is an important occasion in our collective commitment to justice, security, and good governance. It’s a great honor and privilege for me to swear in our new Inspector General of Police, a distinguished officer who assumes this high office at a critical juncture in our nation’s history.
“The Ghana Police Service is a cornerstone of our democracy, playing an indispensable role in safeguarding our peace, ensuring law and order, and protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens,” he stated.
The President stressed that national security is the foundation of development, emphasizing that the appointment comes at a time when the security landscape is rapidly evolving.
“Without safety and stability, businesses cannot thrive, children cannot go to school in peace, and our communities cannot prosper. That is why the leadership of the Ghana Police Service is of paramount importance.
“Traditional policing methods must evolve to confront new and emerging threats. We face increasing incidents of violent crime, cybercrime, and fraud, as well as new forms of organized crime that demand sophisticated investigative techniques. Additionally, the global security environment presents fresh challenges, from terrorism to transnational criminal networks, requiring strong intelligence gathering and proactive law enforcement,” he emphasized.
Mahama reminded IGP Yohuno that Ghanaians have high expectations of the police and rely on them for protection. He also urged police personnel to fully support their new leader.
“To our new IGP, I encourage you to lead with vision, fairness, and unwavering commitment. Leadership is not just about authority; it is about service and inspiring those under your command to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
“Your leadership will be measured not just by crime statistics, but by the trust and confidence the public has in the Ghana Police Service. As you take on this immense responsibility, know that you have my full support and that of my administration.”
Mahama also commended outgoing IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare for his dedicated service and contributions to the transformation agenda of the Police Service.
“Let me take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to the outgoing Inspector General of Police. He has served our nation with dedication and commitment, and his contributions to law enforcement and national security will not be forgotten.
“We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors. To the brave men and women of the Ghana Police Service, I urge you to give your fullest cooperation to your new leader. You are the backbone of our national security framework. Your dedication and sacrifices keep our country safe.”
On his part, COP Yohuno expressed appreciation to the President for the honor and pledged to deliver on his mandate, acknowledging the responsibility ahead.
“I will lead in alignment with your resetting agenda. Thank you for your trust. I am both honored and eager to embark on this new chapter in my policing career and look forward to collaborating with each of you to cultivate a safer and more secure environment for the people of Ghana. May God bless the Ghana Police Service, our homeland Ghana, and all of us,” he said.
He also lauded his predecessor, Dr. Dampare, for his leadership and transformation efforts over the years.
COP Yohuno succeeds Dr. Dampare, who was appointed as Ghana’s youngest IGP on August 1, 2021, and relieved of his duties on March 13, 2025.
COP Yohuno becomes the 24th IGP of Ghana since independence. Until his appointment, he served as the Deputy IGP in charge of operations at the Ghana Police Service.
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