Allegations of nepotism and the misuse of promotion authority have surfaced within the Ghana Police Service, as Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno is accused of granting special promotions to close relatives, according to a statement reportedly circulating among senior officers.
The document alleges that between January 20 and 30, the IGP personally signed several Police Wireless Messages promoting family members, citing “exceptional commitment and dedication to duty” as the basis for the decisions.
Details
One of the reported promotions involves his niece, No. 6331 PW/Sgt. Esther Dede Yohuno, who was elevated from Sergeant to Inspector with two incremental credits, effective January 1.
Other relatives, including Godwin Teye Yohuno and PW/Sgt. Joyce Maku Yohuno is also said to have received similar promotions within the same timeframe.
Critics have questioned whether the officers independently met the criteria for special promotions, particularly the requirements relating to acts of bravery, operational performance, or measurable crime prevention outcomes, as stipulated under Regulation 37(2)(c) of the Ghana Police Service Regulations, 2012 (C.I. 76).
Probe
The statement cautioned that the alleged preferential treatment could erode morale, weaken operational discipline, and diminish public confidence in the police service.
It urged the Police Council, the Ministry of the Interior, Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to conduct an independent audit of all special promotions and to investigate possible conflicts of interest.
“The Ghana Police Service does not belong to any family or personal circle. It belongs to the Republic,” the statement said, underscoring the need for transparent, merit-based promotion systems.
As a central institution responsible for maintaining law and order, the Ghana Police Service has previously faced scrutiny over its promotion processes and internal governance, with critics warning that perceptions of favoritism can undermine operational effectiveness and public trust.
