Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno has approved the promotion of 12,802 police officers within the first six weeks of 2026, clearing a backlog of advancements dating back up to a decade.
The mass elevation, affecting ranks from Lance Corporal to Chief Inspector, was announced following multiple media inquiries to the IGP’s Secretariat.
Officials confirmed the promotions were carried out under the Police Service Regulations, 2012 (C.I. 76), and included both administrative advancements and special recommendations.
According to Regulation 37 of C.I. 76, promotions may be granted based on examination, seniority, length of service, satisfactory conduct, or special recommendation for acts of bravery or outstanding performance.
Of the total number promoted, approximately 11,900 junior-ranking officers received one-step advancements.
Another 600 personnel were promoted via special recommendation, including officers who had served beyond the standard four-year tenure in a given rank without elevation.
“These were done to encourage everyone to work hard and gain due recognition,” the Secretariat stated.
“Our men are sacrificing a lot for this country. They deserve to be treated fairly.”
The announcement comes amid media reports suggesting the promotions were influenced by favouritism.
The IGP’s Secretariat has firmly rejected these claims, stressing that the process was decentralised and transparent.
“Information was sent to all units, districts, divisional and regional commanders across all 25 police regions to submit names of officers due for promotion,” the Secretariat explained.
“Moreover, promotions in the Police Service cannot be solely done by the IGP. C.I. 76 makes that clear.”
The Secretariat also revealed it had received numerous petitions from officers alleging unfair treatment.
Following reviews, several personnel, including some who had been on interdiction for over five years, were acquitted, discharged, and promoted.
Other petitions led to the rectification of promotion dates that had previously disadvantaged officers. In addition, personnel who died in the line of duty were promoted posthumously after their families petitioned the administration.
“We went through all the cases and corrected the anomalies,” the Secretariat said.
