Don’t seek retention, bow out when applause is loudest – Acting IGP advised

Governance expert, Dr. Eric Oduro Osae has advised the acting Inspector General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh to focus on making an impact in his acting capacity instead of concentrating on being retained as a substantive IGP.

According to Dr. Oduro Osae, for him to leave a mark in the police service, he needs to focus on his job and not allow the fear of not being retained distract him from achieving that.

“He should not be in a hurry to fight for a second renewal, a renewal of tenure. In that case, he will be concentrated, you will take decisions without looking beyond your shoulders.

“He should put the pieces together and start working towards helping the president to get a very good successor, that is very important,” he advised.

He said this on TV3’s The Key Points show on Saturday following COP Oppong-Boanuh’s appointment as Acting IGP.

Dr. Oduro Osae further noted that it would be in COP Oppong-Boanu’s own interest to walk out of the service on a high note instead of playing to the political gallery in an attempt to have his tenure extended.

“He should work towards ensuring that I’m stabilizing the system, and when my tenure is ended in October, I will not seek an extension, I will leave when the applause is loudest.”

The governance expert underscored the need for the Acting IGP to serve in the best interest of the state, and not allow himself to be influenced by government.



“He should not be afraid to take decisions; he has about three months or even four months to go on retirement.

“The next contract will end, he should not beg towards getting a renewal of contract. He should not also deceive himself that maybe he will be confirmed, once you have that impression, it influences some of your decisions.”