Accusations of discrimination and favoritism have erupted within the Ghana Police Service following recent promotion decisions, causing widespread discontent among senior officers.
The controversy centers on the promotion of junior officers over their more senior counterparts, a move that has left many in the service questioning the integrity of the current promotion process.
Senior officers and personnel are reportedly “flabbergasted” by the actions of the Interior Minister, Hon. Henry Kwottey, who was initially lauded by the police service members.
Many have now lost hope in his ability to support the proper administration of the service.
The promotion decisions, seen as a deviation from established rules and procedures, have led to significant tension within the service.
The issue has been exacerbated by allegations of discrimination against certain tribes and regions.
Critics claim that the promotion process is tainted by nepotism, clannism, and favoritism, resulting in the neglect of more qualified senior officers in favor of their junior counterparts.
The controversy intensified when a list of junior officers was promoted from Assistant Commissioners to Deputy Commissioners.
This list; Amaning Oduro, Benjamin Osei Addae, Samuel Ammisan, Raymond Ali Adolfien, George Bossman Ohene Boadi, Frederick Kofi Blagodzi, Frank Abrokwa, Jude Cobbina, Cosman Alan Anyan, George Ankomah, Shibu Abubakar Sadique, Alex Acquah, and James Annor, initially rejected by Hon. Henry Kwottey in a previous meeting, was later approved by the Police Council on July 24, 2024, with promotions backdated to May 1, 2024.
These officers were believed to have been promoted from Assistant commissioner to DCOP without recourse to their seniors based on ‘ethnocentrism’.
This reversal has raised questions about potential underhanded dealings and the undue influence of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Dampare.
Many in the Ghana Police Service are calling for an investigation into the promotion process to ensure that future decisions are based on merit and adherence to the service’s established rules.
The current unrest highlights the urgent need for transparency and fairness in the administration of the police service to maintain morale and trust among its ranks.
