The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, was over the weekend conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D, Honoris Causa) by the Accra Metropolitan University during the institution’s 2025 Convocation Lecture Series.
As part of the ceremony held on Saturday, July 19, the IGP delivered a compelling lecture on the theme “The Evolving Role of the Ghana Police Service in a Modern Democratic Society.”
In his address, Mr. Yohuno reflected on the significant evolution of the Ghana Police Service—from its colonial-era origins to its current transformation into a professional, rights-respecting, and accountable security agency.
He attributed this progress to the unwavering dedication of officers who risk their lives daily to protect life and property.
“This recognition affirms that true reward comes not from personal gain, but from service driven by integrity and purpose,” he stated, dedicating the award to all serving officers across the country.
During the lecture, Mr. Yohuno also gave a firsthand account of a personal encounter with a mobile money fraudster—an incident which, upon investigation, was traced to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
According to him, the fraudster initiated the call in a calm and respectful manner, asking him to dial a specific code. Sensing the scam, Mr. Yohuno refused and confronted the caller.
“He greeted me politely and gave me a code to dial. I immediately realized it was a scam tactic designed to access my mobile money wallet. I asked him where he was, what he did for work, and if he truly thought he was being genuine,” he recalled.
Realizing he had targeted the wrong person, the caller used an insult and abruptly hung up. Subsequent tracing of the number confirmed the call originated from within Nsawam Prison.
The IGP noted that this was not an isolated case. He cited another incident involving a well-known Ghanaian who received a series of threatening calls demanding GH₵100,000 or face assassination. The distressed individual reported the case to him personally, and investigations again led to Nsawam Prison.
Mr. Yohuno described how inmates now employ advanced tricks to deceive unsuspecting Ghanaians. Some play police sirens in the background and pose as law enforcement officers claiming a relative has been arrested, thereby pressuring victims to send money for supposed bail.
“These scams are planned in detail. Some of the fraudsters use background noise to make it sound urgent or real,” he revealed.
Despite some of these fraudsters already serving prison terms ranging from 15 to 18 years, many still manage to orchestrate criminal operations from behind bars using illegally acquired mobile phones.
“You can imagine someone already in prison who has to be re-arrested. What punishment again can you give them?” he remarked.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious calls to the police for immediate investigation and tracking.
The lecture formed part of the university’s ongoing efforts to highlight key national issues and recognize transformational leadership.
The honorary doctorate was awarded in recognition of Mr. Yohuno’s exceptional leadership in public security, lifelong service to the nation, and commitment to democratic values and justice.