The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to conduct a thorough review of the police promotion system to ensure fairness, transparency, and morale across the ranks.
The Minister made the call during a promotion and decoration ceremony held at the Police Headquarters in Accra on Friday, where nineteen senior police officers were elevated to the ranks of Commissioner of Police (COP) and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP).
Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak stressed that promotions should reflect merit and timely recognition of service, warning that systemic delays or perceived favoritism could have a demoralising effect on officers.
“I urge the IGP to review the current processes for promotion to ensure that deserving officers are not left behind. When junior officers leap ahead of their seniors without clear justification, it undermines morale and performance,” he said.
He congratulated the newly promoted officers and praised them for their professionalism, dedication, and sacrifices in the line of duty.
He further conveyed President John Dramani Mahama’s appreciation for their unwavering commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace and order.
New Promotions
Eight officers were promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police (COP): Lydia Yaako-Donkor – Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Vance Baba Gariba – Director-General of Operations, Sebastian Atsu Wemegah, Rev. Fr. George Arthur, David Agyemang Adjem, Owusu Donyinah, Martin Kwaku Ayiih and Razak Abdul-Osman.
Eleven others were elevated to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP):
God-Act Dodzi Hlordzi, Wisdom Korli, Joseph Owusu Ansah, Joshua Copson, Obed Dzikunu, Phyllis Ama Tebuah Osei, William Wowolo, William Kofi Donkor, Wisdom Lavoe, Francis Christopher Abaka and Benjamin K. Agordzo (Retired).
The Minister encouraged the newly promoted officers to serve as examples of excellence, noting that their elevation should serve as motivation for other personnel to strive for distinction.
Morale and Mentorship
IGP Dr. Yohuno, who presided over the event, acknowledged the concerns about delayed promotions and assured that the Police Administration is committed to addressing the issue.
“We are aware that inconsistent promotion timelines and situations where juniors are promoted ahead of more experienced officers can negatively impact morale. We are working to improve the system to ensure fairness,” he noted.
He urged the newly decorated officers to use their experience to mentor younger personnel and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the Ghana Police Service.
Call to Service
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, COP Razak Abdul-Osman expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and pledged to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to them.
“We don’t see this as a privilege but as a serious call to higher responsibility. We are determined to justify the confidence reposed in us by demonstrating exemplary leadership,” he said.
He pledged that the officers would continue to serve with diligence, integrity, and a deep sense of duty to the nation.