The High Court in Kumasi has dismissed a suit against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare and the state regarding service promotions.
The suit filed by Chief Inspector Samuel Krah stated that despite his 25 to 30 years of service, the police administration had promoted his junior colleagues through special amnesty.
He added that the administration denied him the same opportunity to advance to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
The plaintiff said the refusal by the administration to promote him and others had created a situation whereby their salary increment had been negatively affected, while their junior colleagues were now at par with them in terms of ranks, which further dampened morale in the service.
But the defence team disagreed.
The team explained that before a police officer could become a senior officer, the officer would have to pass a competitive examination to gain admission to the Police Academy or be given direct entry into the academy by a special recommendation by the Police Council in line with police regulations.
“The special recommendation by way of direct entry into the Police Academy in line with the Police Service Regulations and on the authority of the Police Council is distinct from the powers and authority of the office of the first defendant (IGP) to promote to Chief Inspector in the maximum,” the statement of defence stated.
Again, the defence statement said promotion of a senior officer in the police service was not solely based on higher academic qualification.
“Promotion in the Ghana Police Service is based on competence, hard work, commitment and dedication to the service, exhibition of high level of professionalism and conduct that promote the integrity of the service, among others,” the statement of defence added.
The court presided by Justice Kwasi Anokyi Gyimah, on Friday, June 14, 2024, sided with the defence and dismissed the suit.
The court was of the view that Chief Inspector Krah is not entitled to automatic promotion based solely on his higher academic qualifications.
The judgment stated, “The plaintiff has failed to prove his claim on the preponderance of probability. The plaintiff’s attainment of higher academic qualification does not entitle him to promotion by reason only of that academic qualification.”
The court clarified that promotion within the police force depends on competitive examination or special recommendation as per police service regulation.
The trial judge urged the plaintiff [Chief Inspector Krah] to continue writing entrance examinations, noting that he might succeed in future attempts.