South Tongu MP, Maxwell Lukutor, has defended the proposed decision to extend the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, insisting the move is lawful and does not threaten morale within the Ghana Police Service.

According to him, critics claiming the extension will demotivate officers have no evidence and should rely on credible research institutions like Afrobarometer if they want to measure morale scientifically.

“If anyone thinks morale has gone down because of the IGP’s extension, then maybe Afrobarometer should be sent there to conduct research. I don’t believe this is meant to bring down morale at all,” he said in an interview with JoyNews' James Avedzi.

His comments come after the Police Council recommended a two-year contract extension for IGP Yohuno, whose mandatory retirement is due in December 2025.

The recommendation has since been forwarded to the President for approval.

However, former Deputy Defence Minister Kofi Amankwah-Manu criticised the Police Council’s recommendation for a two-year contract extension for IGP, describing the move as “a sorry state” that could severely weaken morale within the service.

Lukutor argued that the Constitution gives the President the power to extend the tenure of the IGP, and therefore, the backlash from some quarters is unnecessary.

The MP dismissed claims that the extension blocks the progression of senior officers waiting in line for promotion, describing the concerns as exaggerated.

“I don’t see why anybody should make a fuss about people waiting in line. This is not the first time such an extension has happened. It is normal and it is a vote of confidence in the IGP by the President and the Police Service,” he added.

He noted that IGP Yohuno has served for less than a year but has already played a key role in stabilising the security environment. Replacing him now, he said, could disrupt ongoing reforms and operational momentum.

Lukutor believes that after the two-year extension, another qualified officer will also have their turn at leading the Service.

“After two years, somebody else will also have a bite. So I don’t see any problem with this decision,” he added.