Court Blocks Attempt to Halt COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno’s Promotion

In a decisive ruling, an Accra High Court has thwarted a misguided attempt to obstruct the promotion of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, dismissing an application aimed at preventing him from assuming his duties as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of operations.

The case was brought before the court by Emmanuel Felix Amantey, a self-proclaimed lecturer, who claimed that the appointments made by the Police Council and the presidency overstepped their legal authority. Amantey argued that both the 1992 Constitution and the Ghana Police Service Act are silent on the existence of a deputy inspector general tasked specifically with operations, asserting that the only relevant legal framework—the Police Service Regulations—does not accommodate such a position.

In his application for judicial review, Amantey accused the President and the Police Council of engaging in what he termed an “illegality.” He insisted that their actions were unconstitutional and therefore should be prohibited. However, his claims were met with swift rejection from the court.

Justice Richard Apietu, presiding over the case, firmly dismissed Amantey’s arguments, stating that the High Court’s supervisory jurisdiction had not been properly invoked. He clarified that the functions of the court are primarily focused on adjudicatory matters carried out by lower adjudicating bodies, which, he asserted, do not include the President or the Police Council.

“The President and the Police Council were exercising their administrative powers,” Justice Apietu emphasized, reinforcing the legitimacy of their actions in appointing COP Yohuno to his new role.

The ruling has been seen as a significant endorsement of the administrative authority vested in the President and the Police Council, allowing COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno to take on his duties without further legal hindrance. Observers believe this decision will bolster the operational capacity of the Ghana Police Service at a crucial time, as the country seeks to enhance security and maintain law and order.

With the court ruling in COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno’s favour, attention now turns to his strategic plans for enhancing policing across Ghana. Yet, a larger question looms: Will Inspector General of Police George Dampare allow his deputy the latitude to operate in the best interest of the Ghana Police Service?

Reports preceding the court’s decision highlighted a strained dynamic between Dampare and Yohuno, raising eyebrows over how effective Yohuno’s influence in operations might truly be. Sources revealed that the tension between the two top officials was so pronounced that any personnel found in Yohuno’s office without being directly assigned were either immediately dismissed or transferred, effectively isolating him within his role.

Since his appointment in June 2024, COP Yohuno has been notably absent from all Police Management Board (POMAB) meetings. He was missing from key events, such as the visit from Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan and the recent strategy session with all 25 regional commanders, despite his primary responsibility for operations ahead of the 2024 election.

As Ghana heads into a pivotal election year, questions mount over whether the current power dynamics will impede COP Yohuno’s ability to execute the duties expected of his position and, more critically, whether the Ghana Police Service can maintain unity in executing its mandate. The ball now appears to be in IGP Dampare’s court – will he facilitate a collaborative environment, or will the internal divide hinder the service’s preparations for the year ahead?