IGP Promotes 12,000 Police Officers, Clears Long-Standing Backlog
Exercise covers promotions from Lance Corporal to Chief Inspector and addresses years of delays
- 12,802 officers promoted between January and early February.
- Exercise clears backlog dating back up to 10 years.
- Secretariat dismisses nepotism claims, cites CI 76 guidelines.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has approved the promotion of 12,802 police officers between January and the first week of February, effectively clearing a backlog that stretched between five and 10 years.
The promotions, which cover ranks from Lance Corporal to Chief Inspector, were confirmed by the IGP’s Secretariat following multiple media inquiries.
According to the Secretariat, the elevations were largely administrative and based on special recommendations, in accordance with the Police Service Regulations, 2012 (Constitutional Instrument 76). Regulation 37 of CI 76 stipulates that promotions within the Ghana Police Service are determined by examination, seniority, length of service, satisfactory conduct, or special recommendations for acts of bravery or exceptional performance.
Response to nepotism claims
Earlier reports in sections of the media alleged that the promotion exercise was tainted by nepotism. However, the IGP’s Secretariat rejected those claims, stating that the process was supervised by unit, district, divisional, and regional commanders across all 25 police regions.
The Secretariat explained that commanders nationwide were instructed to submit names of officers eligible for promotion, forming the basis of the final list. It also stressed that promotions cannot be carried out solely at the discretion of the IGP, as the governing regulations clearly outline the procedures.
Breakdown of promotions
Out of the total number promoted, about 11,900 junior-ranked officers advanced by one rank after exceeding the stipulated four-year period without promotion. An additional 600 officers were promoted based on special recommendations.
The Secretariat noted that the exercise was intended to motivate personnel and ensure fairness, acknowledging the sacrifices officers make in service to the country.
Addressing petitions and anomalies
The administration also reviewed numerous petitions from officers who claimed they had been unfairly treated. Some officers who had been on interdiction for over five years were acquitted and discharged after their cases were reviewed, allowing them to receive their due promotions.
Other petitions involved errors in promotion dates that had delayed advancement. The Secretariat said such discrepancies were corrected after review.
In addition, officers who died in the line of duty were posthumously promoted following petitions from their families.
