By Nene Matey Tsengley
It has been one year since John Dramani Mahama appointed Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), marking a significant turning point in the leadership of the Ghana Police Service. Announced on March 13, 2025, and formalized with his swearing-in on March 14, 2025, Yohuno assumed office as the 31st IGP and the 25th Ghanaian to head the Service, succeeding George Akuffo Dampare.
With over four decades of experience in law enforcement, IGP Yohuno brought to the role a depth of institutional knowledge and operational expertise.
Having previously served as Director-General of Operations and Director-General of the Police Intelligence Directorate, as well as Deputy IGP in charge of Operations under a previous administration, his appointment was widely regarded as a bipartisan endorsement of competence and professionalism.
From the onset, Yohuno’s administration signaled a shift toward pragmatic and results-oriented policing. His early engagements with former IGPs demonstrated a commitment to institutional continuity and strategic foresight.
Central to his leadership has been a strong focus on modernization, operational efficiency, and personnel welfare.
One of the most notable achievements within the past year has been the clearance of over 90 percent of promotional rank backlogs within the Service. This decisive intervention has significantly boosted morale among officers, many of whom had long expressed concerns over stagnation and perceived inequities in promotions.
Enhanced Police Visibility and Crime Reduction
Under Yohuno’s leadership, there has been a marked increase in police visibility across communities. Intensified patrols and strategic deployment of personnel have contributed to a noticeable decline in crime rates in several parts of the country.
The renewed neighborhood policing approach has reassured citizens and strengthened public confidence in the Service.
Efforts to combat organized crime, particularly the activities of land guards, armed militiasand other forms of impunity, have also yielded measurable results. Through targeted operations and intelligence-led policing, these longstanding issues have seen a significant reduction.
The IGP’s tenure has also been characterized by a deliberate push to strengthen the operational capacity of the Police Service.
In 2025, the commissioning of four new patrol boats in Tema enhanced maritime security operations, while the acquisition of approximately 40 armored vehicles improved response capabilities in high-risk situations.
These interventions reflect a broader commitment by the Police Management Board to equip officers with the necessary tools to effectively discharge their duties.
Improved Communication and Media Relations
A key reform under Yohuno’s administration has been the decentralization of police communication. By restoring regional and unit-level dissemination of information, the Service has improved transparency and responsiveness. This shift has significantly enhanced engagement with the media and the general public, fostering a more cooperative relationship that had previously been strained.
The prompt response of the police to incidents reported on social media has also emerged as a defining feature of the current administration. Swift arrests and interventions in cases that gain public attention online have reinforced the perception of a responsive and proactive police force.
Breakthroughs in Criminal Investigations
The past year has witnessed notable breakthroughs in several high-profile criminal cases.
Among these are major breakthroughs, including key arrests in connection with the 2025 GH¢7.5 million Adabraka jewellery shop robbery, the dismantling of a syndicate linked to the Rhyme jewellery shop heist and similar attacks nationwide, as well as progress on several high-profile robbery cases that had remained unresolved for years.
These successes underscore the renewed emphasis on intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
Indeed, Yohuno’s tenure has been marked by improved coordination between the Police Service and other security agencies, resulting in a more cohesive national security architecture.
Looking Ahead
As Christian Tetteh Yohuno begins his second year in office, expectations remain high. His administration has laid a solid foundation for transforming the Ghana Police Service into a modern, efficient, and citizen-centered institution.
With assurances from the IGP and the Police Management Board to deepen ongoing reforms and expand operational gains, there is growing optimism that policing in Ghana will steadily align with international best practices.
For many observers, the first year of Yohuno’s leadership has not only restored confidence in the Police Service but also set a clear trajectory toward sustainable security and public trust.
By Nene Matey Tsengley, Media Practitioner
Email: nenemateytsengley@gmail.com