Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has sanctioned the promotion of 12,802 police officers between January and the first week of February 2026, effectively addressing a promotion backlog that had accumulated over the past decade.
The promotions, which span ranks from Lance Corporal to Chief Inspector, were confirmed by the IGP’s Secretariat.
In a statement, the Secretariat explained that the elevations were primarily administrative and based on special recommendations, all carried out in accordance with the Police Service Regulations, 2012 (C.I. 76).
The announcement comes in the wake of allegations suggesting nepotism in the promotion process. However, the Secretariat firmly dismissed those claims, insisting that due process was strictly followed.
To ensure fairness, commanders at the unit, district, divisional, and regional levels across all 25 police regions were instructed to submit the names of officers who were eligible for promotion.
Out of the total number promoted, about 11,900 officers in the lower ranks were advanced by one rank after serving beyond the required four-year period without elevation. Additionally, roughly 600 officers were promoted based on special recommendations.
The Secretariat also revealed that it had received multiple petitions from officers who complained of delayed or unfair treatment regarding promotions. Some of these cases involved officers who had been placed on interdiction for more than five years but were later acquitted and discharged. After reviewing their cases, the administration granted them their rightful promotions.
Furthermore, families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty submitted petitions to the Service. As a result, posthumous promotions were awarded to the deceased officers in recognition of their sacrifice.
