Security Analyst Emmanuel Mawan Kotin has publicly challenged the rationale behind President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to extend the tenure of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yuhonu, questioning the justification for departing from established government policy.
The IGP, who was due to retire in December 2025 upon reaching the statutory retirement age, will now remain in office until December 2027, following approval of a two-year contract extension recommended by the Police Council.
Kotin, speaking in his capacity as a security analyst, framed the discussion around institutional governance rather than the personality of the current IGP, emphasising that the government’s communication on the decision has been insufficient, potentially undermining public trust and the credibility of stated reform commitments.
“We’ve all been students of public policy before, you see, when you bring a policy, communication matters. This government has to respect the people of this country. They don’t need to do things haphazardly the way they have been doing”
Emmanuel Mawan Kotin, Security Analyst
He argued that the government had originally established a policy to limit extensions for heads of public service institutions, a framework intended to promote merit-based progression, succession planning, and institutional continuity. The extension of IGP Yuhonu, Kotin noted, represents a significant departure from that policy.
He insisted the public deserves clear explanations for exceptions made to previous rules, adding that inconsistent application of policy could erode the government’s credibility.
“If you are suspending that policy, you need to come back to the good people of this country – because that policy was to first promote institutional continuity, secondly give some kind of prediction to succession and thirdly, the argument was that it was to establish merit-based progression within the public service”
Emmanuel Mawan Kotin, Security Analyst
Operational Achievements and Justifications
Kotin questioned whether IGP Yuhonu has “introduced initiatives, operational innovations, or institutional reforms that justify the extension,” stressing that, beyond rhetoric and explanations about internal police support, the government had not provided concrete evidence of accomplishments warranting such a decision.
“What single initiative has the IGP introduced or implemented that warrants his extension? That is the question as an organization we are asking. It has to be clear here. Sometimes this kind of extraneous condition will make the president say that I’m going to give this extension based on this and that and that”
Emmanuel Mawan Kotin, Security Analyst
He further criticised the manner in which the extension was communicated, drawing a comparison to the Biblical figure Pontius Pilate, suggesting that President John Dramani Mahama acted passively, merely endorsing the Police Council’s recommendation without demonstrating active engagement or accountability.
Kotin also drew attention to prior reforms implemented by the government, including the removal of senior military generals and previous heads of the police service when it assumed power, noting that such moves were intended to enhance institutional memory and provide opportunities for emerging leaders.
“You know what happened to the former IGP George Akuffo Dampare – So we cannot choose and pick now, it doesn’t help in our security governance architecture. There are so many questions that need answering. These are security issues – they transcend political propaganda”
Emmanuel Mawan Kotin, Security Analyst
Kotin’s assessment extended to broader implications for youth inclusion in public service. He highlighted the importance of adhering to retirement and succession policies to ensure opportunities for younger personnel, stressing that extending contracts for senior officials can limit career paths for emerging leaders.
He referenced public support for prior reforms that promised allowing younger officers to rise through the ranks, noting that deviations from policy contradict these earlier commitments.
“Have we forgotten ‘Let The Retiree Go?’ When this policy came, we were hailing the government. Go and look at international laws and UN conventions – they are urging governments to make sure that their development agenda is hinged on youth development.
“So if people are attaining their statutory retirement age and you are giving them contracts, what happens to the upcoming ones?”
Emmanuel Mawan Kotin, Security Analyst
Kotin concluded that while he recognises the President and Police Council may see considerations unknown to the public, the extension requires full transparency.
He urged the media and government to provide evidence of any justifications for the extension, stressing that policy consistency, clarity, and operational results must guide decisions concerning senior public office holders.
His intervention places renewed focus on institutional governance, accountability, and the balancing of experience with opportunities for emerging leaders within Ghana’s security architecture.
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