The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has fulfilled a solemn promise he made to police personnel on Christmas Eve, promoting every officer who was due for elevation, and in the process, clearing all promotion backlogs within the Ghana Police Service.
Between January and the first week of February 2026, a total of 12,802 police officers were promoted across the Service. The promotions span ranks from Lance Corporal to Chief Inspector, with many of the promotions dating back five to ten years.
The development was confirmed by the IGP’s Secretariat following multiple media inquiries.
Promotions Anchored in Law, Not Favouritism
According to the Secretariat, the promotions were largely administrative and special recommendations, carried out strictly in accordance with the Police Service Regulations, 2012 (CI 76).
Regulation 37 of CI 76 stipulates that promotion in the Ghana Police Service shall be based on: Promotion examinations, Seniority and length of service, Satisfactory performance and good conduct, Special recommendations for acts of bravery, valour, or outstanding service.
The Secretariat emphasized that the exercise was law-driven and transparent, countering claims in sections of the media that the promotions were influenced by nepotism.
Nationwide Supervision Across All Police Regions
The IGP’s Secretariat explained that the promotion process involved extensive consultations across the Service.
“All units, districts, divisions, and regional commands across the 25 police regions were directed to submit names of officers due for promotion. That formed the basis of the exercise,” the Secretariat stated.
It further clarified that promotions in the Police Service are not the sole discretion of the IGP, as CI 76 provides a structured and collective administrative process.
Breakdown: Encouraging Fairness and Morale
Out of the total number promoted:
- About 11,900 officers in the lower ranks were elevated one step up after exceeding the stipulated four-year period in rank.
- Approximately 600 promotions were granted based on special recommendations for exceptional service.
“These promotions are meant to encourage diligence and restore morale. Our officers sacrifice a great deal for this country, and they deserve fairness and recognition, regardless of background,” the Secretariat noted.
Petitions Reviewed, Injustices Corrected
The Secretariat also revealed that it received numerous petitions from officers who believed they had been unfairly treated. After reviewing the cases:
- Officers who had been interdicted for over five years but later acquitted and discharged were promoted accordingly.
- Errors in promotion dates that had disadvantaged some officers were corrected. Families of officers who died in the line of duty also petitioned the Service, leading to posthumous promotions for the fallen heroes.
A Message of Renewal
By clearing years of stalled promotions in one decisive move, IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno has sent a powerful message of fairness, institutional healing, and renewed commitment to the welfare of police personnel.
For many officers, the promotions are more than a rank; they represent long-delayed recognition, restored dignity, and renewed motivation to serve.
Source paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
