A former Deputy Defence Minister has criticised the Police Council’s recommendation for a two-year contract extension for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, describing the move as “a sorry state” that could severely weaken morale within the Ghana Police Service.

In an interview with JoyNews' James Avedzi on Tuesday, November 25, Kofi Amankwah-Manu argued that extending the IGP’s tenure beyond his mandatory retirement in December 2025 would block the career progression of hard-working officers who have dedicated years in anticipation of rising through the ranks.

“If you ask me, it is a sorry state. This will even kill the spirit of wanting to work hard to see the police grow, because after all, there will be nothing to look up to. If I am second in line and the IGP gets an extension, it means I have nowhere to go. I am completely locked up,” he said.

According to him, the decision does not “augur well” for fairness and motivation within the Service.

Amankwah-Manu argued that the leadership succession system in the Service must remain predictable and merit-based. Extending the contract of the IGP, he said, sends a wrong signal to officers who have committed themselves to advancing the institution.

His comments come after Myjoyonline sources confirmed that the Police Council has recommended a two-year extension for IGP Yohuno, citing the need for stability as the Ghana Police Service continues major reforms, modernisation programmes, and critical national security operations.

The recommendation has been forwarded to President John Mahama for approval. If endorsed, the extension will keep IGP Yohuno at the helm of the Service until 2027.

However, Amankwah-Manu insists the move could erode trust, fairness, and future leadership development within the Service.

“You need people to work for something, knowing that tomorrow they can be recognized and be made IGP. Cutting them off because of one person is, for me, a sorry state,” he stressed.

The Presidency is yet to officially respond to the recommendation.