The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has raised concerns about the age of the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohonu.
Afenyo-Markin signaled that steps would be taken to investigate further.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, while the new IGP accompanied the Interior Minister to brief the house on urgent matters, Afenyo-Markin referred to a statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications announcing the IGP’s appointment. The statement mentioned that the new IGP had served in the Ghana Police Service for 40 years.
The Effutu legislator questioned the IGP’s age based on this information and sought to know at what age the IGP entered the Police Service.
The new IGP, who is said to be 60 years old, took over from COP George Akuffo Dampare, who is 55 years old and had a few more years to retire.
Afenyo-Markin commented, “The Minister in his answer took the opportunity to introduce 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 40 years in the service—40 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. 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.”
COP Yohuno, who exchanged pleasantries with Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, MP for Ada, in Parliament, brings over four decades of law enforcement experience to the role.
Profile of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno
COP Yohuno’s distinguished career in the Ghana Police Service spans more than 40 years. He has held various leadership positions, including Accra Central Divisional Commander from 2007 to 2009, Accra Regional Operations Commander, Deputy Accra Regional Commander, and Regional Commander in 2013.
In December 2015, he was appointed Director-General of the Motor Transport and Traffic Department, and in 2016, he was reassigned as Director-General of Administration.
His contributions to Ghana’s security have been widely acknowledged, and in 2011, he was awarded the Grand Medal for his efforts in combating armed robbery and other criminal activities.
COP Yohuno’s leadership path saw a special promotion to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) in January 2012 and later elevation to Commissioner of Police (COP) in January 2016 by President John Mahama.
Educational Background
COP Yohuno has a strong educational background, having studied at Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana, and an Executive MBA in Project Management from the Institute of Professional Studies (now UPSA).
Challenges Ahead
As he assumes office, COP Yohuno faces the crucial task of strengthening law enforcement, improving police professionalism, and restoring public confidence in the Ghana Police Service. His leadership will be vital in tackling crime, enforcing discipline within the force, and implementing reforms to improve operational efficiency.
With his extensive experience, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno is expected to lead the Ghana Police Service into a new era of efficiency, accountability, and transformation.
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