President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), following the abrupt removal of Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from the position. The inauguration took place on Friday, March 14, at the Jubilee House.
Dr. Dampare’s dismissal, announced on Thursday, marked a significant shake-up within the Ghana Police Service. While no formal explanation has been provided for his removal, sources suggest it is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at overhauling the leadership and operational structure of the law enforcement agency.
Dr. Dampare, who assumed the role of IGP in 2021, was widely credited for spearheading key reforms in the Ghana Police Service. His tenure was marked by initiatives aimed at boosting public trust and improving security. These included enhanced community engagement, the implementation of internal disciplinary measures, and an emphasis on professionalizing the force. Analysts noted that under his leadership, crime rates decreased and accountability within the service improved.
As COP Christian Yohuno steps into the IGP role, attention is now focused on the future direction of policing in Ghana.
Profile of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno
COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno is a distinguished figure in law enforcement, with a career spanning over four decades. Recognized both nationally and internationally for his expertise, Yohuno has proven to be a strategic leader in the Ghana Police Service, overseeing major reforms and high-stakes operations.
Rising to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in 2024, Yohuno was instrumental in shaping the operational framework of the police force. In his previous capacity, he facilitated close coordination between police leadership and operational units, ensuring effective communication and implementation of strategic security measures.
Yohuno’s policing career began in 1985 when he joined the Ghana Police Service as a recruit. Over the years, he advanced through the ranks, taking on increasingly senior roles that would shape his leadership legacy. Notably, Yohuno served as the Director-General of the Police Intelligence Directorate, where he established a comprehensive intelligence network that was instrumental in solving high-profile cases, including the Kwabenya Police Station attack and the murder of a Lebanese national in Tema.
In addition to his domestic achievements, Yohuno’s international experience further distinguishes him from his peers. He participated in two significant United Nations peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and East Timor, contributing to global security efforts.
His tenure in Ghana’s police force has also included leadership roles in regional and national security operations, overseeing critical portfolios such as Administration, Special Operations, and Police Intelligence. His management of the Greater Accra region, one of the most populous and complex areas in Ghana, earned him widespread praise for his resourcefulness and strategic approach to crime prevention.
Yohuno’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration (Human Resources Management) from the University of Ghana, an Executive MBA in Project Management, and professional qualifications as a Chartered Accountant.
For his dedicated service, Yohuno has received numerous accolades, including the Best Recruit award in 1986 and the State Honour of Grand Medal in 2011 for his efforts in combatting armed robbery. His contributions to national and regional security, particularly during major events such as the 2016 General Elections and ECOWAS summits, have earned him the respect of his colleagues and superiors alike.
With COP Yohuno now at the helm of the Ghana Police Service, the nation’s law enforcement community will be closely watching his next steps.
Source:TheDotNews