The Police Administration has dismissed allegations of paper leakage, bribery and irregularities in the recently conducted Police Competitive Promotional Examination (PCPE) for Chief Inspectors seeking admission into the Police Academy.
It has, therefore, urged any candidate who participated in the examination and has concerns or grievances to use the appropriate laid down procedures to seek redress instead of resorting to the media.
Responding to allegations of improprieties published by sections of the media last week, the Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP’s) Secretariat described the claims as unfounded and unwarranted.
No leakage
According to the Police Administration, the allegations were false, misleading and intended to undermine the credibility of what it described as one of the most transparent and professionally organised promotional examinations in the history of the Ghana Police Service.
“No examination papers were leaked to any officer, and no officer paid money to secure promotion or placement into the Police Academy,” the statement said.
It further dismissed claims that some officers allegedly paid between GH¢70,000 and GH¢100,000 to secure promotion, stressing that such allegations were unsupported by evidence.
The Administration explained that the examination process was conducted under strict supervision in collaboration with the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the external body that has overseen the PCPE over the years, to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability.
It added that stringent security measures were implemented before, during and after the examinations to prevent any form of malpractice.
‘Submit evidence’
The Secretariat challenged any candidate or police officer with evidence of bribery or impropriety connected to the examinations to formally submit such evidence for investigation and appropriate action.
It said the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, operated an open-door policy and had encouraged any dissatisfied candidate to use the appropriate channels to request a review of their results.
“Running to the media and peddling falsehoods will not resolve the matter instead of using the appropriate channel of communication within the Service and you will be heard,” the statement added.
Merit-based assessment
The Secretariat stated that all candidates who took part in the examinations were assessed solely on merit, competence and performance.
It explained that the results reflected the fairness of the process, as successful candidates from various commands and units across the country passed through hard work and adequate preparation.
The statement noted that although the stakes were high due to the large number of candidates who sat for the examinations, due process had been followed from the beginning and would not be compromised.
It further disclosed that a significant number of officers attained the required pass mark based on merit.
Additionally, following a special intervention and amnesty granted by the President, John Dramani Mahama, approximately 300 officers who obtained 50 per cent were also considered to promote fairness, motivation and career progression within the Service.
According to the Administration, the decisions were taken in good faith and in the interest of the welfare and morale of officers of the Ghana Police Service.
Media cautioned
While acknowledging the watchdog role of the media, the Police Administration expressed disappointment with sections of the media for publishing what it described as falsehoods without first seeking the response of the Service.
It said such publications had the tendency to create unnecessary tension and unfairly tarnish the image of hardworking officers and the Police Administration.
“The Ghana Police Service remains a disciplined institution guided by integrity, professionalism and accountability,” the statement said.
It added that the current Police Administration, under the leadership of Mr Yohuno, remained committed to transparency and fairness in all internal processes, including promotions and career advancement.
The Administration therefore, called on any media house, individual or group with credible evidence of wrongdoing to formally submit such evidence for thorough investigation.
