Policy analyst and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, has criticised the government for what he describes as “flip-flopping and hypocrisy in its policy implementations.”
Reacting to the two-year contract extension of Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohunu, who was due for mandatory retirement in December 2025, Dr Zaato noted that this comes despite an earlier government directive halting contract appointments for retired public servants.
President Mahama extends IGP Yohuno’s tenure by 2 years
According to him, while he acknowledges the need for the president to have the freedom to make decisions that enhance national security, he believes this U-turn makes the government appear hypocritical in its policy implementations.
“Look, as a matter of principle, I think every president should be given the opportunity, especially when it comes to national security and security issues, to assemble his team. I think the president should be given a free hand when it comes to national security and as long as they are not breaching constitutional laws. They see things we don’t see, they hear things we don’t hear, (sic), and keeping the realm safe and secure is the number one responsibility of the president,” he said on TV3 on November 26, 2025.
The lecturer continued, “That’s why they are the commander-in-chief, so I believe that the president should not be faced with any challenges when it comes to assembling his national security team. The Inspector General of Police is the core, one of the biggest pillars of their national security, so a president should have that right.
“IGP Yohunu is a consummate policeman, law enforcement agent. He’s come inside the system, he’s handled the transition well, and he’s doing his utmost best for the police. I have absolutely no problem with him professionally or in person… The problem is, like everybody is saying, when you see this rampant and flagrant flip-flopping and hypocrisy.”
Dr Zaato also indicated that the IGP’s contract extension raises serious questions about the government’s consistency in its decisions and policies.
He further noted that government policies must be made with transparency and clarity to prevent individuals from misinterpreting critical appointments.
“… Nobody forced Callistus Mahama to issue that letter… because whenever the secretary of the president writes something and issues a statement, we should be able to take it to the bank. We should be able to know that is a solid position but today, then I ask my question, what is the government’s policy on post-retirement contracts?
“There should be policy clarity. It helps people to know because now, people can now have the opportunity to read innuendos, read motives into these appointments just precisely because of what you’ve done. There is [policy inconsistency]. You have two statements. So, what is this government’s policy on this? And this is not the first time we have this policy inconsistency and that’s what I’m talking about the government flip-flopping,” he added.
Contract suspension:
In April 2025, the government suspended the extension of tenure of work for retired public servants across the country.
In a statement released on April 2, 2025, and signed by Dr Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the government announced the suspension of all post-retirement contracts effective the date of the release.
“The grant of post-retirement contract appointments to retired public service staff has been suspended with immediate effect,” the statement read.
Dampare changed policing in Ghana; nothing colourful about Yohuno’s tenure – Kwesi Pratt
A portion of the statement from the Office of the President emphasised that “all requests for such appointments will no longer be considered.”
It further urged public institutions to comply with the new policy.
“Kindly take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance,” the statement concluded.
MAG/AE
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