IGP congratulating Chief Inspector Patience Kotoka after her promotion
Ever been stopped by a police officer on the road, only to be frustrated by their ‘license check’? They often find fault, even with the correct documents, and you end up paying at least GH¢5, depending on where you are.
The truth is, some police officers have been using traffic stops as an opportunity to solicit bribes rather than enforce traffic laws. This creates a negative experience for drivers and undermines trust in law enforcement.
Over the years, there’ve been tons of documentaries and exposés showing police officers in uniform proudly receiving bribes, sometimes in broad daylight, like it’s their birthright.
Just before the end of 2025, a viral video spread across social media which captured some police officers caught on video allegedly taking money from motorists near the Côte d’Ivoire border.
After the video went viral, the officers were identified, and the Ghana Police Service took action against them. It’s a bribery scandal that sparked outrage, and it’s scary to think about the ones that go unnoticed, off camera. The fact that some officers were caught red-handed suggests there might be more cases slipping through the cracks.
Promotion Over Bribery
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, recognising the magnitude of unprofessionalism within the service regarding bribery, is introducing a new approach to tackle police officers accepting bribes.
The IGP’s approach prioritises promotion (career advancement) as a motivator to discourage officers from taking bribes, offering an alternative “cure”.
IGP Tetteh Yohuno, is optimistic that the culture within the Service is rapidly changing, with discipline, professionalism and hard work now driving motivation and career progression since he introduced the police promotion.
He has issued a strong warning to members of the public against attempting to bribe police officers, insisting that such acts will no longer buy freedom but rather public disgrace.
“Anybody who attempts to bribe the policemen will be exposed,” the IGP cautioned, adding that police officers are now committed to doing their work diligently rather than engaging in corrupt practices.
In the spirit of promotion, upon assumption of officer, the service has witnessed an overwhelming number of promotion under the watch of IGP Tetteh Yohuno.
On January 15, 2026, IGP promoted 35 police officers in recognition of their outstanding role in the arrest of suspects involved in the Adabraka gold robbery in Accra.
The promotions were awarded to personnel who demonstrated exceptional professionalism, dedication, and teamwork during operations that led to the arrest of suspects linked to the high-profile daylight robbery at a jewellery shop at Adabraka in November 2024.
Additionally, IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, promoted 17 officers, including two senior officers, in recognition of their exemplary conduct and dedication to duty.
Two officers of the Ghana Police Service were also promoted for their role in foiling a robbery and rescuing two victims during a night snap check operation in Accra.
The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, announced that Chief Inspector Patience Kotoka and G/Constable Joseph Akondoh, along with four Community Police Assistants (CPAs), were honoured for their vigilance and swift action
Constable Akondoh was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, while Chief Inspector Kotoka has been recommended for admission to the next Police Cadet Course at the Police Academy, a step that could see her commissioned as a senior officer upon successful completion.
The promotions were granted in appreciation of the officers’ distinguished performance, particularly their commitment to operational excellence, discipline and service to the nation.
IGP Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), congratulated the promoted officers and urged them to regard the elevation as a call to greater responsibility, leadership, and accountability in the discharge of their duties and charged the officers to continue working hard.
The Service have reiterated its commitment to recognising merit and rewarding excellence as a means of strengthening professionalism, boosting morale, and enhancing effective policing across the country.
While it’s early days to say if the ‘Promotion Over Bribery’ initiative will bring sanity to the service, I can say some officers might have taken bribes without the promotion incentive. That being said, we’re watching, hoping the IGP’s confidence in his men isn’t misplaced, and this move genuinely curbs corruption.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke