Police need urgent reforms - President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called for urgent reforms within the Ghana Police Service to address rising crime and to restore public trust in law enforcement. 

The President emphasised the critical role of the police in maintaining national security and democracy.

“The Ghana Police Service is the bedrock of our nation’s stability,” he stated, adding, however, that “the increasing incidents of violent crime, cybercrime and other security threats demand a radical transformation in how we approach policing.”  

President Mahama made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday.

The President highlighted the need to modernise the police service, citing outdated equipment, inadequate training and poor working conditions as major challenges.

“Our police officers are often overstretched and under-resourced,” President Mahama said, adding that “if we are to effectively combat crime and protect our citizens, we must invest in cutting-edge technology, enhance intelligence capabilities, and provide our officers with the tools they need to succeed.”

President Mahama further stressed the importance of community policing, urging the new IGP to prioritise building trust between the police and the communities they serve.

“Policing cannot be effective without the cooperation of the public,” he said.

“We must bridge the gap between law enforcement and citizens to create a safer environment for all,” he added.  

Professionalism

In his acceptance speech, Mr Yohuno vowed to uphold professionalism, transparency and community-driven policing during his tenure.

He expressed profound gratitude to the President for the trust placed in him, describing the appointment as both an honour and a solemn responsibility.  

“Your Excellency, being entrusted with such a pivotal role signifies a personal milestone. It acknowledges the dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence that have formed the bedrock of my policing career since I joined the service as a recruit in 1985,” he said.

Mr Yohuno emphasised that his leadership would focus on transforming the Ghana Police Service to meet the aspirations of Ghanaians.

He pledged to align his administration with President Mahama’s reset agenda, ensure discipline, respect for seniority and a renewed focus on professionalism.  

“I assure you, Your Excellency, that professionalism, transparency, accountability and fairness shall underpin my administration. We will focus on renewing attitudes and performance, thereby positioning the service to meet the aspirations of our people and foster peace and security in our country,” he stated.  

The IGP further highlighted the importance of community engagement in policing, describing it as a shared responsibility.

“Policing is a shared and collective responsibility. Consequently, community engagement, community policing, and partnerships will be essential strategies for communities to participate in crime prevention and fighting,” he said.

Mr Yohuno acknowledged the support of his family, colleagues and loved ones, crediting them for his success.

He also paid tribute to his predecessors, whose contributions he said, laid the foundation for the current achievements of the service.  

“To the courageous policemen and policewomen who believe in my ability to lead, I commit to remaining diligent and transparent in all pursuits to collectively build the service we aspire to for our beloved nation,” he stressed.  

Profile

Mr Yohuno, with Police Service Number PO 001731, was born on December 27, 1965, and was enlisted into the Ghana Police Service as a lance corporal on August 1, 1985.

He rose through the ranks to become a Commissioner of Police and subsequently occupied the high office of  Deputy IGP in charge of Operations before his latest elevation last Thursday, March 13, 2025, exactly 33 years after he was commissioned into the officers corps.

He is a seasoned law enforcement officer with four decades of service in the Ghana Police Service, having established himself as a dedicated and professional leader committed to ensuring the safety and security of Ghanaian citizens.  

Mr Yohuno’s educational background include an Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration (Human Resource Management) from the University of Ghana Business School.

He holds a Diploma in Police Administration from the Ghana Police College, and was commissioned into the officer corps on March 13, 1992.  

He graduated as a Chief Inspector, General Policing, on August 1, 1986.

The new IGP obtained General Certificate of Education (Advance Level) in 1982, and General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) in 1980.

His professional career spans public safety, crisis management, strategic communication and team leadership.

Over the years, Mr Yohunu earned several accolades for his service, including the State Honour, Grand Medal, awarded for his meritorious contributions to combating armed robbery and other criminal activities.

He has also received special promotions to the ranks of Deputy Commissioner of Police and Commissioner of Police in recognition of his distinguished service.  

Career

Throughout his career, Mr Yohuno is credited with a strong ability to manage complex security challenges, both nationally and internationally.

His work has been characterised by a focus on crime prevention, intelligence-led operations and public safety.

One of his notable contributions is the establishment of the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) which has played a critical role in preventing and detecting serious crimes across the country.

Under his leadership, the PID developed actionable intelligence that led to the arrest of numerous notorious criminals.  

Another significant achievement of his is the creation of the Informant Reward System, an initiative designed to encourage civilians to provide valuable information to the police. 

This system has proven effective in solving high-profile cases and reducing crime rates.

Mr Yohuno has also led several successful operations targeting armed robbers, carjackers and international criminal syndicates, earning him widespread recognition for his efforts in combating organised crime.  

In addition to his national contributions, Mr Yohunu has served in United Nations peacekeeping missions in East Timor and Bosnia Herzegovina.

In those roles, he was responsible for conducting investigations, gathering intelligence and ensuring community safety, further showcasing his expertise in maintaining peace and security in challenging environments.  

As Deputy IGP, he was focused on transforming the Ghana Police Service into a world-class institution capable of delivering democratic, protective and peaceful services in line with international best practices.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Yohuno is a devoted family man.