Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, the Member of Parliament for Wa West Constituency, has expressed significant concerns regarding the recent appointment of a Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP) in charge of Operations.

Hon. Toobu argued that this position is non-existent within the current legal framework of the Ghana Police administration, raising questions about the legality and practicality of such an appointment. Hon. Toobu, who previously served as the Executive Secretary to an IGP, highlighted that the existing law only provides for a single Deputy IGP.

“We tried having two Deputy IGPs—one for Operations and one for Administration—in 2012, but it proved ineffective. Consequently, Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) 76 was introduced, ensuring that only one Deputy IGP would support the IGP.”
Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, the Member of Parliament for Wa West Constituency

The introduction of C.I. 76, Hon. Toobu stressed, established the norm of having a single Deputy IGP, should the President choose to appoint one. He cited the example from 2019 when President Akufo-Addo lawfully promoted COP Oppong Bonuah to the position of Deputy IGP in accordance with C.I. 76.

However, Hon. Toobu criticized the recent promotion of COP Christian Tetteh Yohonu to Deputy IGP in charge of Operations.

“Appointing Christian Tetteh Yohonu to a position that does not exist in the law is problematic. For example, Mr. Mohammed Alhassan once served as Deputy IGP before becoming IGP. If you designate Mr. Yohonu solely for Operations, it begs the question of who handles administration.”
Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, the Member of Parliament for Wa West Constituency

Hon. Toobu concluded by reiterating that both operations and administration fall under the purview of the IGP and his deputy. Therefore, the creation of a separate role for Operations is not supported by the law.

Official Appointment

On July 17th, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.

“This appointment is pursuant to the advice of the Police Council at its meeting held today, Wednesday, 17th July 2024, during which COP Yohuno’s exceptional credentials and dedication to duty were acknowledged.”
Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications Office of the President

COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno is a distinguished law enforcement officer with a career spanning over three decades. He has held various key positions within the Ghana Police Service, earning a reputation for his dedication and exemplary service.

President Akufo-Addo extended his heartfelt congratulations to COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno on his well-deserved appointment, wishing him the very best in the discharge of his duties.

The appointment of a Deputy IGP in charge of Operations has sparked a debate over its legality and implications for the Ghana Police Service’s administrative structure. Mr. Toobu’s concerns underscore the need for adherence to the established legal framework to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the police administration.

The Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Members of the Police Management Board, and the entire Police Service congratulated Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on his promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

While the appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as Deputy IGP in charge of Operations has been praised for recognizing his distinguished service, it has also brought to the forefront critical legal concerns raised by Mr. Peter Lanchene Toobu.