In a notable legal decision, the High Court in Kumasi has dismissed the promotion lawsuit filed by Chief Inspector Samuel Krah against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the State.
Presided over by Justice Kwasi Anokyi Gyimah, the ruling on Friday, June 14, 2024, concluded that Krah is not entitled to an automatic promotion based solely on his attainment of higher academic qualifications.
Justice Gyimah clarified in his judgment that “the Plaintiff’s attainment of higher academic qualification is not entitled to promotion by reason only of that academic qualification.” He emphasized that entry to the Police Academy and subsequent promotions are governed by competitive examinations or special recommendations in accordance with Police Service Regulations.
Chief Inspector Krah had argued that despite his 25 to 30 years of service, his junior colleagues had been promoted under a special amnesty while he was overlooked. He sought promotion to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) but failed to convince the court of his entitlement.
Justice Gyimah encouraged Krah to persist in taking the entrance examinations, hinting at possible future success.
This case is one among several ongoing legal battles over police promotions. In May 2023, 82 police officers filed a suit against the Attorney General, the Ghana Police Service, and the IGP. These officers claim they were unfairly denied promotions and entry into the Police College after completing their studies during the 2017/2018 academic year under the organization’s study leave with pay policy.
As the legal struggles over police promotions continue, this recent ruling underscores the complexities and stringent regulations governing advancement within the Ghana Police Service.