Kumasi High Court dismisses another promotions suit against IGP

The Kumasi High Court has dismissed a lawsuit from 40 police officers. They sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. The officers claimed unfair refusal of promotions within the Ghana Police Service.

These Chief Inspectors filed their case on September 18, 2023. They argued they were excluded from a special amnesty program. This program promoted officers who obtained degrees before 2020.

Despite serving for 25 to 30 years, they felt wronged. Their junior colleagues benefited from the amnesty while they did not. They also claimed they were denied entry into the Police Academy, which is needed for promotion to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

In their lawsuit, the officers sought several remedies. They wanted a court order for promotions and direct entry into the Police Academy. They also sought compensation for lost income due to denied career advancement.

However, the court ruled against them. It stated that legal principles govern its decisions, not sympathy or emotions. The judgment noted that higher academic qualifications do not guarantee promotion.

The court explained that entry into the Police Academy requires competitive exams or special recommendations per Police Service Regulations. Ultimately, it concluded that the plaintiffs failed to prove their claims and rejected their demands.