The Ghana Police Service has rebuffed claims that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has passed away.

News of his alleged death emerged online shortly after President John Dramani Mahama granted his two‑year retirement extension beyond his mandatory retirement age in late November.

He earned this extension due to his justification on grounds of continuity, stability, and ongoing reforms within the Ghana Police Service.

Following the rumours, the Ghana Police Service, in a swift response, took to their official X (formerly Twitter page) on November 30 and denied them, urging the public to disregard what it described as completely false, adding that IGP Yohonu is “alive and well”.

“We wish to categorically state that these reports are false. The IGP is alive and well and going about his duties as expected. We urge our officers, family members, loved ones, and the general public to disregard these reports,” parts of the post read.

The statement also cautioned individuals spreading the false information, describing the act as malicious and reckless.

The Police warned that disinformation is an offence and that anyone found responsible will face the law.

“We would like to caution persons behind these malicious, insensitive, and reckless claims to note that disinformation constitutes an offence and perpetrators will be brought to justice when identified”, the post continued.

The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, on March 14, swore Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno into office as the 31st Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

With this appointment, IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno becomes the 25th Ghanaian to lead the esteemed Ghana Police Service since independence.

President John Mahama urged COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police (IGP), to ensure that the Ghana Police Service operates with integrity, fairness, and without undue influence.

COP Yohuno’s appointment follows the replacement of former IGP Dr George Akuffo Dampare, who served in the role since 2021. During his tenure, Dampare implemented several reforms aimed at enhancing public trust and improving security operations across the country.

A few weeks after his appointment, the IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno reassigned two senior police officers, Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Superintendent George Lysander Asare, to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters and the Judicial Protection Unit, respectively.

These two officers were implicated in a leaked tape that detailed a plot to remove the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

Their conduct during their subsequent appearance before the parliamentary committee that investigated the matter raised concerns about their professionalism within the Ghana Police Service.

The Parliamentary Committee said in its report that COP Alex George Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Emmanuel Eric Gyedi, misconducted themselves.

According to the report, their conduct constituted a major offence under Police regulations and must be sanctioned in accordance with the Police disciplinary procedure.

Sources suggested that some persons within the police service perceive the IGP's recent move as a promotion rather than a punitive measure, as the new positions are considered highly sensitive.

Per reports, this has sparked debate among officers, with many questioning whether it aligns with efforts to uphold discipline and ethical standards within the service.

Section 17(d) of the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350) states that: “It shall be misconduct for a police officer to engage in any activity outside his official duties which is likely to involve him in political controversy or to lead to his taking improper advantage of his position in the Police Service.

Regulation 82(1) (c) of the Police Service Regulations, 2012 (C.I 76), which states that: “It is a major offence for an officer to engage in an activity outside official duties which is likely to “Involve the officer in political controversy or lead to the officer taking improper advantage of that officer’s position in the service.”

A month he held a strategic meeting with former leaders of the Ghana Police Service to discuss measures for improving policing and security in the country.

The engagement, which took place on April 2 at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, provided a platform for past and present police leadership to exchange insights on crime prevention, law enforcement reforms, and personnel welfare.

Attended by several former IGPs, the discussion focused on strengthening institutional structures, enhancing stakeholder collaborations, and addressing challenges affecting national security.

Members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) were also present, contributing to deliberations aimed at fostering sustainable improvements in the service.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain regular consultations between past and present police leadership to ensure continued progress in law enforcement and public safety.

Meanwhile, since he assumed office, he has made some significant contributions to the service, securing a landmark partnership with the New York Police Department (NYPD), described as one of the Service’s most significant accomplishments in recent years.

Oversaw reforms aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, particularly in response to cybercrime and violent crime.