, in a decision that contrasts sharply with government’s earlier directive suspending all post-retirement contract appointments in the public service.){kind=link}
President John Dramani Mahama has approved a two-year contract extension for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), in a decision that contrasts sharply with government’s earlier directive suspending all post-retirement contract appointments in the public service.
In a letter dated November 25, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, the IGP was officially informed of the President’s approval for his re-engagement upon reaching the statutory retirement age in December 2025.
The extension, which takes effect from December 28, 2025, means the IGP will now remain in office until December 2027.
According to the letter, the decision followed a recommendation by the Police Council, which expressed strong confidence in the IGP’s leadership and its importance to ongoing institutional reforms and operational stability within the Ghana Police Service.
“Your re-engagement takes effect from 28th December, 2025. During this period, you shall continue to serve as the Inspector-General of Police and discharge the duties and responsibilities attached to the office,” the letter stated.
The President further directed the IGP to formally indicate acceptance of the extension within three days.
However, the move has drawn public attention because it appears to conflict with the government’s own policy, announced earlier this year, suspending all post-retirement contract appointments across the public service.
In that earlier directive, the Presidency stated unequivocally:
• All post-retirement contract appointments had been suspended with immediate effect.
• No new requests for such appointments would be considered.
• Ministries, Departments and Agencies were to ensure strict compliance.
The decision to extend the IGP’s tenure therefore stands out as a major exception, raising questions about whether the security sector may be operating under special considerations or whether further exemptions could follow.