Supreme Court stays order to promote 40 police chief inspectors

The Supreme Court has granted a stay of execution on a Court of Appeal judgment that ordered the promotion of 40 police chief inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). Presided over by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, the court ruled that the promotions must be put on hold to prevent administrative disruption while an appeal filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Attorney-General is resolved. The decision effectively suspends the enforcement of a January 27, 2026, appellate ruling that had favoured the officers.

The legal dispute originated from a 2021 special promotion exercise and amnesty program intended for officers holding university degrees. The 40 plaintiffs, led by Chief Inspector Christopher Okpattah, initiated legal action after they were excluded from the exercise while other colleagues, including some they claimed were junior to them, were elevated. Although their case was initially dismissed by the Kumasi High Court, the Court of Appeal later overturned that decision, prompting the current legal challenge from the police administration.

In granting the stay, the Supreme Court noted that the potential for administrative chaos outweighed the inconvenience to the officers if the promotions were later found to be invalid. However, the delay has significant personal implications for the group. Legal representative Anne Kekeli Agbetsiafa highlighted that many of the affected officers are nearing retirement age, and one officer has already passed away during the protracted legal battle. Despite these setbacks, the legal team expressed hope that the final resolution would eventually go in their favour.

The case is scheduled to return to the Supreme Court on October 29, 2026, for further proceedings. This ruling reflects ongoing complexities within the Ghana Police Service regarding personnel management and the application of internal promotion policies. Until the apex court delivers its final judgment on the IGP’s appeal, the status of the 40 chief inspectors remains unchanged within the police hierarchy.