Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Accra
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has promoted a total of 12,802 police officers between January and the first week of February 2026, effectively clearing a backlog of promotions dating back between five and 10 years.
The promotions, which cut across ranks from Lance Corporals to Chief Inspectors, were disclosed to the media by the IGP’s Secretariat following several requests for clarification on the exercise.
According to the Secretariat, the elevations were largely administrative and based on special recommendations, in line with the Police Service Regulations, 2012 (Constitutional Instrument 76).
Regulation 37 of CI 76 stipulates that promotions within the Ghana Police Service shall be based on promotion examinations, seniority and length of service, subject to satisfactory performance and good conduct. It also allows for special recommendations in cases of meritorious acts of bravery, valour in crime prevention, or outstanding performance of duty.
Media Claims Dismissed
The clarification comes in the wake of claims by sections of the media alleging that the recent promotions were marred by nepotism.
However, the IGP’s Secretariat firmly dismissed the assertions, stating that the process was supervised by unit, district, divisional and regional commanders across all 25 police regions nationwide.
“Information was sent to all the units, districts, divisional and regional commanders across the 25 police regions to submit names of officers who were due for promotion, and that was how the administration arrived at the final list,” the Secretariat explained.
It further noted that promotions within the Police Service cannot be undertaken solely by the IGP, as clearly outlined in CI 76.
Breakdown of Promotions
Out of the total number, approximately 11,900 officers within the lower ranks were elevated by one step ahead of their ranks after serving beyond the stipulated four-year period. About 600 officers were promoted based on special recommendations for exemplary service.
“For instance, personnel who had remained in their ranks for more than the stipulated period of four years were promoted to their next ranks. These measures were taken to encourage officers to work hard and gain due recognition,” the Secretariat stated.
“Our men and women are sacrificing a lot for this country. They deserve to be treated fairly, and that is what we are doing for everyone, regardless of their background,” it added.
Petitions Addressed
The Secretariat also revealed that numerous petitions had been received concerning alleged unfair treatment of some officers. After reviewing the cases — including those who had been on interdiction for more than five years — some were acquitted and discharged, and subsequently granted their due promotions.
In other instances, officers petitioned for corrections to errors in their promotion dates, which had delayed their advancement. The administration said it investigated and rectified such anomalies.
Additionally, families of officers who died in the line of duty submitted petitions seeking recognition for their loved ones. Following review, the Service granted posthumous promotions to all affected personnel.
The Secretariat described the exercise as part of efforts to restore fairness, boost morale and strengthen professionalism within the Ghana Police Service.
