The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has raised concerns over the age of newly appointed Inspector-General of Police (IGP) COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, hinting that the matter may be scrutinized further in due time.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, where the IGP was present alongside the Interior Minister to address urgent matters, Afenyo-Markin referenced the government’s official statement on the appointment.
He pointed out that according to the announcement, COP Yohuno has served in the Ghana Police Service for 40 years, prompting questions about his entry age into the service.
“The Minister in his answer introduced the new IGP, and I congratulate him on his appointment,” Afenyo-Markin said. “Suffice it to say that in the statement from the Minister responsible for Government Communications, he told the country that the new IGP has spent 40 years in the service. At the right time, we will calculate whether he entered at age 20, 19, or 18.”
While COP Yohuno is officially said to be 60 years old, his lengthy service record raises speculation about whether he should already be due for retirement. His predecessor, COP George Akuffo Dampare, who is 55, had more years left before reaching retirement age.
COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno brings over four decades of experience to the role, having held key leadership positions within the Ghana Police Service.
His career has been defined by a strong commitment to law enforcement, crime prevention, and professional excellence.
Appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations in July 2024 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, Yohuno previously served in various high-ranking roles, including Accra Regional Commander and Director-General of the Motor Transport and Traffic Department.
His contributions to national security have earned him several accolades, including a Grand Medal in 2011 for combating armed robbery and other criminal activities.
As he assumes office, Yohuno faces the critical challenge of improving police professionalism, enforcing discipline, and restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
However, questions surrounding his age and retirement timeline could become a focal point of political and public debate in the months ahead.