C/INSPR CRISTOPHER OKPATTAH AND 39 OTHERS vs THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE & ORS

This Ghana High Court case, decided by Justice Frederick Tetteh, concerns promotions within the Ghana Police Service. Chief Inspectors, all university graduates, sought judicial orders compelling promotion to Assistant Superintendent of Police with incremental credits, direct entry into the Police Academy, restoration of lost income, and costs. Plaintiffs relied on a February 2021 directive inviting submission of degree certificates for a special exercise and a July 2021 special amnesty that advanced junior ranks. Applying the Evidence Act and C.I. 76, the Court found no documentary proof that Plaintiffs submitted certificates or that any binding amnesty superseded statutory promotion procedures. It held promotion to senior ranks requires competitive examinations or special recommendation by the Police Council and that academic qualifications alone do not confer promotion. The amnesty was a discretionary administrative policy and could not be judicially compelled. Plaintiffs’ claims were dismissed without costs.