President John Dramani Mahama has approved a two-year contract extension for Inspector-General of Police (IGP) COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, allowing him to continue leading the Ghana Police Service beyond his statutory retirement date.
President Mahama Approves Re-engagement of Christian Yohuno as IGP for Two Years 3
The decision was announced on 25 November 2025, via an official letter signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President. The extension, which takes effect on 28 December 2025, follows a recommendation by the Police Council.
In the letter, President Mahama stressed that IGP Yohuno’s continued leadership is vital at this “crucial period,” particularly as the Police Service implements major reforms, seeks to boost operational efficiency, and maintains institutional stability.
IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno first rose to the top post in March 2025, when he was appointed to replace Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and sworn in at the Jubilee House. Since then, he has been tasked with steering the Police Service through modernization, tackling crime, and building public trust.
Yohuno has been asked to confirm his acceptance of the re-engagement in writing within three days of receiving the communication.
The Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Atto Forson, has officially presented the findings of the committee investigating the August 6 helicopter crash to the President at the Jubilee House. The report, which details the causes, events, and recommendations following the tragic incident, marks a crucial step toward improving aviation safety within the Ghana Armed Forces.
Outcome of August 6 Helicopter Crash Report Presented to the President 6
During the presentation, Dr. Forson commended the committee for their thorough work and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing all key recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The President expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Defence and the committee for their swift and transparent handling of the investigation.
The August 6 crash, which involved a military helicopter on routine operation, raised national concern and prompted the immediate establishment of the investigative committee. The presentation of the final report signifies the conclusion of the inquiry, paving the way for strategic reforms and enhanced operational safety measures within the armed forces’ air units.
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Auditor-General to immediately commence a forensic investigation into the financial and contractual dealings surrounding the organization of the 13th African Games hosted in Ghana earlier this year.
President Mahama Orders Forensic Investigation into 13th African Games Expenditure 9
The directive follows the submission of a detailed intelligence report from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), which reportedly raised serious concerns about the award of contracts, procurement procedures, and infrastructure spending associated with the Games.
According to official breakdowns, Ghana’s total expenditure on the continental sporting event stood at US$245 million, distributed as follows:
Infrastructure (venues and facilities): US$195 million Operational and hosting costs: US$48 million Athlete support and feeding: US$15 million Games Village hostel upgrade: US$16.07 million
President Mahama, in a statement issued from the Jubilee House, emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent public financial management, noting that public confidence in state-led projects must be fully restored.
He further instructed that the Auditor-General’s findings be submitted by the second week of December 2025 for swift action and possible prosecutions where necessary.
The 13th African Games, hosted in Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast, were Ghana’s most expensive multi-sport event in history. While the Games were hailed as a logistical success, the post-event audit and now this presidential directive signal growing scrutiny over how public funds were managed.
The Minerals Commission has revealed that a total of 35 mining licences have been issued since President John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office earlier this year. The figure, according to Commission officials, represents a deliberate move toward tightening regulation and ensuring responsible mining practices across the country.
35 Mining Licences Issued Since Mahama Was Sworn In – Minerals Commission Data 12
Speaking to journalists in Accra, Chief Executive of the Commission, Martin Ayisi, explained that the new administration’s approach aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection. He noted that the era of uncontrolled licence issuance, which led to widespread illegal mining and environmental degradation, must not be repeated.
“The current government is focused on proper due diligence, community engagement, and strict adherence to environmental standards before any licence is approved,” Mr. Ayisi stated.
The 35 licences include both small-scale and large-scale mining operations, most of which are in gold-producing regions such as Ashanti, Western North, and Eastern Ghana. Compared to previous administrations, the figure marks a sharp decline in the number of approvals. Between 2017 and 2024, for instance, more than 1,900 licences were granted under different governments.
Industry experts believe this slowdown reflects President Mahama’s commitment to tackling the “galamsey” menace, which has caused severe damage to Ghana’s rivers and forest reserves. Environmental advocates have praised the decision, calling it a “bold step” toward sustainable mining.
However, some mining investors have expressed concerns about the reduced pace of licensing, warning that it could discourage legitimate investors and slow economic recovery in the mining sector.
“The government must find a balance,” said Kwame Boateng, a mining consultant. “We support environmental control, but the process shouldn’t stifle growth or drive miners into illegal activities.”
Meanwhile, the Commission has reassured the public that the reduced number of licences does not indicate inactivity in the sector but rather a restructuring phase to improve transparency and compliance.
President Mahama has also emphasized that no licences have been granted for mining in forest reserves, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to environmental preservation.
As Ghana works to align its mineral development with global sustainability standards, the 35-licence figure symbolizes a cautious yet intentional shift in national mining policy—prioritizing accountability, ecological protection, and long-term value creation over rapid exploitation.
Renowned Ghanaian journalist and social commentator, Shamima Muslim, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to safeguard his political legacy by ensuring that his appointees do not tarnish his image or derail the progress of Ghana’s democracy.
In a strongly worded statement circulating on social media, Shamima cautioned the President against tolerating any acts of misconduct, abuse of power, or corruption from his appointees that could damage his reputation and the credibility of his administration.
“Mr. President Mahama, please don’t allow your appointees to destroy your political records. If your four-year political mandate comes to an end, please step down and allow democracy to do its work for our beautiful nation,” she wrote.
Shamima Muslim Urges President Mahama to Uphold Democratic Principles and Protect His Legacy 15
Her comments have sparked significant public reaction, with many praising her for boldly calling for accountability and democratic integrity within the government. Others see it as a timely reminder for all political leaders to prioritize national interest over personal ambition.
Shamima Muslim, known for her advocacy in governance and women’s leadership, emphasized that Ghana’s democratic values must be preserved at all costs, warning that political power should never override the will of the people.
Political analysts say her statement reflects growing public concern over political excesses and the need for transparent governance as the nation looks toward the next electoral cycle.
Ghana and France have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic and developmental partnership following high-level bilateral talks between President John Dramani Mahama and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
Ghana and France Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation Through High-Level Talks 18
The closed-door discussions, held yesterday, focused on deepening cooperation across key strategic sectors aimed at advancing Ghana’s national development and strengthening mutual ties between the two nations.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting are major commitments including the retooling of the Ghana Armed Forces, expected to begin this year, and enhanced maritime collaboration to bolster Ghana’s coastal security and safeguard its blue economy.
France also pledged to unlock funds for the construction of seven hospitals across Ghana, as part of a renewed focus on improving healthcare infrastructure. Both leaders discussed expanding digital and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives for the youth, ensuring Ghana’s young innovators benefit from France’s advanced technology ecosystem.
In the agricultural sector, new agribusiness partnerships are expected to be formed to enhance food production, processing, and export capacity. The two presidents also agreed to advance strategic counterterrorism cooperation, reinforcing Ghana’s stability and regional security efforts within the West African subregion.
Significantly, the talks emphasized a joint commitment to defending multilateralism, highlighting both nations’ shared belief in international cooperation as a cornerstone for global peace and sustainable development.
At the conclusion of the talks, President Macron extended a formal invitation to President Mahama to pay a full State Visit to France early next year, signaling the beginning of a new phase of strong and purposeful Ghana–France relations.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the renewed partnership will yield tangible benefits for citizens of both nations in the areas of defense, health, education, and innovation.
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