Kofi Amankwah-Manu is the former Deputy Defence Minister
Former Deputy Defence Minister Kofi Amankwah-Manu has stated that President John Mahama’s decision to extend the tenure of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno could create serious morale problems within the Ghana Police Service.
In an interview with Joy News on November 25, 2025, Kofi Amankwah-Manu argued that the move could unsettle senior officers who are next in line for leadership roles.
He said some officers who still have about three years before retirement may feel their chances of becoming IGP are being unfairly blocked.
President Mahama extends IGP Yohuno’s tenure by 2 years
“This really does not augur well for the full commitment of people. You need people to work for something, and by way of doing that, when they work, knowing very well that tomorrow, they can be recognised and be made IGP. But then, you know, you just cut it off because you have one person who probably will do your bidding. Well, I think it’s, for me, if you ask me, it’s a sorry state,” he said.
He explained that officers work with the hope that their dedication could lead to promotion to the highest office in the Service, and argued that extending the tenure of someone who has reached the retirement age, weakens that motivation within the Police Service.
“It will even kill that spirit of wanting to work hard to see the police grow. Because after all, there will be nothing to look up to, nothing to fight for. So if I am there, and I have about three years, and I know that, look, if I do so well, commit myself to doing that, to move the police forward, I will be recognised and probably be made an IGP, if I happen to be the second in line. And then you have this IGP having his tenure extended. What it means is that I don’t have anywhere going. I am completely, locked up. So what do I have to do? It’s going to be business as usual,” he added.
President Mahama has approved a two-year contract extension for the IGP, allowing him to stay in office beyond his statutory retirement date in December 2025.
The decision, signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, followed a recommendation from the Police Council.
According to the letter, the re-engagement takes effect from 28 December 2025, during which Yohuno will remain in office and continue to perform all responsibilities associated with the role.
The presidency explained that the extension is meant to ensure continuity, stability and the consolidation of ongoing reforms within the Service.
Watch the video below:
Extension of IGP’s mandate: Former Deputy Defence Minister Kofi Amankwah Manu has described the move as unnecessary, warning that it could undermine morale among senior officers of the Ghana Police Service.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/WGt6HN1lRm
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) November 25, 2025
Meanwhile, watch as Global Data Protection expert Patricia Poku outlines key projects she is leading:
AK/SSM
