Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra
The Ghana Police Service has strongly denied allegations of examination malpractice, bribery and paper leakage in the recently conducted Police Competitive Promotional Examination (PCPE) for Chief Inspectors seeking admission into the Police Academy.
According to the Police Administration, the examination process was conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, dismissing reports published by sections of the media as “false, misleading and unfounded.”
In a statement issued by the Secretariat of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Administration described the allegations as an attempt to undermine the credibility of what it termed one of the most professionally organised promotional examinations in the history of the Service.
The statement stressed that no examination papers were leaked to any officer and rejected claims that some candidates paid between GH¢70,000 and GH¢100,000 to secure promotion or placement into the Police Academy.
“No examination papers were leaked to any officer, and no officer paid money to secure promotion or placement into the Police Academy,” the statement emphasised.
The Police Administration explained that the examinations were conducted under strict supervision in collaboration with the University of Cape Coast (UCC), which has consistently overseen the promotional examinations over the years to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability.
It added that comprehensive security measures were implemented before, during and after the examinations to prevent any form of malpractice.
The Secretariat further challenged any candidate or officer with evidence of bribery or irregularities to formally submit such evidence for investigation and possible disciplinary action.
According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, operates an open-door policy and has encouraged dissatisfied candidates to use the laid down procedures within the Service to seek redress rather than resorting to the media.
“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.
The Police Administration maintained that all candidates were assessed strictly on merit, competence and performance, adding that successful candidates from various commands and units across the country earned their results through hard work and adequate preparation.
It noted that although a large number of officers participated in the examination, due process was adhered to throughout the exercise.
The statement also disclosed that a significant number of officers attained the required pass mark on merit. In addition, following a special intervention and amnesty granted by President John Dramani Mahama, about 300 officers who scored 50 per cent were also considered to promote fairness, motivation and career progression within the Service.
The Administration stated that the decision was taken in good faith and in the interest of the welfare and morale of personnel of the Ghana Police Service.
While acknowledging the watchdog role of the media, the Police Administration expressed disappointment with some media outlets for allegedly publishing unverified information without first seeking the response of the Service.
It warned that such publications had the tendency to create unnecessary tension and unfairly damage the reputation of hardworking officers and the Police Administration.
“The Ghana Police Service remains a disciplined institution guided by integrity, professionalism and accountability,” the statement said.
The Administration reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness under the leadership of Mr. Yohuno and urged any individual, group or media house with credible evidence of wrongdoing to submit it formally for thorough investigation.
