Dear President Mahama,

I hope this message finds you in good spirits.

You are no stranger to political power, nor to the nuances that come with it. You understand the delicate components that hold a government together and how public perception can either bolster or batter its reputation.

I do not presume to lecture you on the role of national security in the stability and success of any government — you certainly know far more than I do. But it is precisely because of this understanding that I write to humbly urge you to take a second, critical look at Ghana’s current security architecture and consider recalibrating it for smoother and more seamless functionality.
The recent appointment of a Director of Special Operations at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) is causing considerable friction. It's setting the Bureau on fire — metaphorically, but seriously. You simply cannot have both a Director of Operations and a Director of Special Operations within the same command structure. Operations are operations; adding “special” does not resolve structural contradictions. Instead, it creates power overlaps and puts people on a collision course.

Secondly, Mr President, allow me to draw your attention to three categories of influencers whose involvement in governance must be approached with utmost caution:

1. The Rich and Unbothered — those who have made it and will likely never encounter poverty again.

2. Cassock-wearing or suit-clad men posing as divine counsellors — those who often exchange moral influence for political leverage.

3. Traditional Authorities — respected custodians of culture who command more quiet influence than meets the eye.

Respect them, yes — but fear their influence on matters of justice and accountability. When you allow their counsel to take precedence over justice, you risk hurting your loyal party base and disappointing the 57 percent of Ghanaians who voted for your promise to reset the country and recover the loot. These individuals will plead on behalf of those under investigation. They will ask that someone be spared from the weight of the law — and should you concede, they will never take responsibility. Their congregations, their subjects, and their networks will never know what they asked of you. But your base will.

If need be, ask them to provide a list of people the NIB must not touch. At least that would offer clarity to the operatives who are expected to act with neutrality and courage.

May I remind you of two recent, highly demoralising incidents:
First, NIB operatives moved to arrest the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana with a valid warrant — only to be stopped. Later, those same officers were accused of stealing 10,000 and jewellery. The operation was discredited. Their integrity tarnished.

Next came the failed attempt to arrest Benedict Peters and his private militia. Again, the NIB was halted. Then came public ridicule, amplified by Ntim Fordjour, who cast a long shadow over the entire security architecture — damage that could have been avoided.

Mr. President, we cannot keep calling operatives mid-operation and ordering them to stand down. It damages morale. It erodes confidence. It undermines institutional discipline.
If this must be done, then it must be done well — and done without fear or favour.

With utmost respect,
PoL

By Charles McCarthy