COP Yaako-Doonkor Led Lobby for IGP Yohuno’s Two-Year Contract Extension – Inside Story Emerges

By: Nana Kwasi Roka

The Jubilee House has officially granted a two-year post-retirement contract extension to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno – but fresh information indicates the approval did not come without intense internal lobbying from top police officials.

Contrary to claims by critics of the Mahama Administration alleging a departure from its earlier stance on contract extensions, sources reveal that the Presidency reluctantly agreed after sustained pressure from key members of the Police hierarchy.

Leading the charge was COP Lydia Yaako-Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and widely considered the natural successor to IGP Yohuno. According to insider accounts, COP Yaako-Donkor mounted the strongest lobby, urging the Police Council and the Jubilee House to extend Yohuno’s tenure until 2027.

Her efforts, reportedly backed by Chief Inspector Angel Lolo (Esq.), the representative of junior officers on the Police Council, ultimately convinced the Presidency to act on the Council’s recommendations.

Why the Lobby Was So Strong

Within the Police Service, COP Yaako-Donkor is perceived as the de facto Deputy IGP and a leading contender among five potential successors. Her strong legal background, commanding presence and reputation for toughness on crime have earned her widespread respect.

Yet, insiders say her push for Yohuno’s extension was driven by more than personal conviction. Among junior officers – represented on the Council by Chief Inspector Lolo – Yohuno enjoys overwhelming support. They view him as a “salvationist IGP” who has been restoring order and morale since replacing Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, whose tenure ended amid deep internal divisions and widespread dissatisfaction.

Reports indicate that Dampare’s departure triggered spontaneous celebrations in police barracks nationwide, underscoring the depth of discontent over perceived neglect of junior personnel under his leadership.

‘Too Little Time for Transformation’

IGP Yohuno, who served as Deputy IGP under the Akufo-Addo administration, assumed office in December 2025 at age 60, meaning he would have retired within nine months. Many service members felt such a short tenure would limit his ability to effect meaningful reforms, particularly in areas such as the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), where he has already shown strong resolve.

Government Responds to Critics

Responding to claims of policy inconsistency, Solomon Owusu, Director of Communications for the United Party (UP), insisted the President acted within the law. Speaking on TV3’s New Day on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, he cited Article 199(4) of the Constitution, which permits post-retirement contracts for public servants.

Owusu dismissed accusations of hypocrisy, noting that the government’s earlier directive in April 2025 only suspended, rather than cancelled, contract extensions.

“Dr. Calistus Mahama was very smart. He did not tie the administration to any permanent ban. He said the extensions are suspended,” Owusu clarified.

The letter in question stated: “The grant of post-retirement contract appointments to retired public service staff has been suspended with immediate effect.”

What’s Next

With the extension now secured, IGP Yohuno is expected to remain at post until 2027, giving him more time to push reforms and stabilize the service – even as eyes remain on COP Yaako-Donkor, the woman many believe is positioned to become Ghana’s next IGP.