Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, has slammed the John Mahama government over Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohunu’s two-year contract extension.
Speaking on TV3 New Day, Dr Zaato described IGP’s Yohunu extension as “flip-flopping and hypocrisy in its policy implementations.”
His comment stems from the Mahama government’s April 2025 statement released signed by Dr Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, who announced that the government announced the suspension of all post-retirement contracts.
The letter stated, “The grant of post-retirement contract appointments to retired public service staff has been suspended with immediate effect”.
“All requests for such appointments will no longer be considered”, the letter added.
Dr Zaato detailed, “Look, as a matter of principle, I think every president should be given the opportunity, especially when it comes to national security and security issues, to assemble his team. I think the president should be given a free hand when it comes to national security and as long as they are not breaching constitutional laws. They see things we don’t see, they hear things we don’t hear, (sic), and keeping the realm safe and secure is the number one responsibility of the president,” he said on TV3 on November 26, 2025.
“That’s why they are the commander-in-chief, so I believe that the president should not be faced with any challenges when it comes to assembling his national security team. The Inspector General of Police is the core, one of the biggest pillars of their national security, so a president should have that right.
The lecturer continued, “IGP Yohunu is a consummate policeman, law enforcement agent. He’s come inside the system, he’s handled the transition well, and he’s doing his utmost best for the police. I have absolutely no problem with him professionally or in person… The problem is, like everybody is saying, when you see this rampant and flagrant flip-flopping and hypocrisy.”
“… Nobody forced Callistus Mahama to issue that letter… because whenever the secretary of the president writes something and issues a statement, we should be able to take it to the bank. We should be able to know that it is a solid position, but today, when I ask my question, what is the government’s policy on post-retirement contracts?
“There should be policy clarity. It helps people to know because now, people can have the opportunity to read innuendos, read motives into these appointments, just precisely because of what you’ve done. There is [policy inconsistency]. You have two statements. So, what is this government’s policy on this? And this is not the first time we have had this policy inconsistency, and that’s what I’m talking about, the government flip-flopping,” he added.
His comments come following Mahama’s approval of a two-year contract extension for the IGP, allowing him to stay in office beyond his statutory retirement date in December 2025.
The decision was signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, following a recommendation from the Police Council.
The re-engagement takes effect from 28 December 2025, during which Yohuno will remain in office.
According to the presidency, the extension is meant to ensure continuity, stability and the consolidation of ongoing reforms within the Service.
The approval allows IGP Yohuno, who was appointed earlier this year, to continue leading the Ghana Police Service for the next two years.
IGP Yohuno has been lauded for improving police visibility, improving crime response strategies, and advancing community policing.
Watch the video below: