The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, decorated 22 senior police officers who have been elevated from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP). The ceremony, held at the IGP’s office in Accra, was conducted in the presence of members of the Police Management Board (POMAB).
The promotions followed a recommendation by the Police Council and subsequent approval by President John Dramani Mahama. Among the decorated officers were DCOP Gifty Serwaa, DCOP Thomas Frimpong, DCOP William Acolatse, and DCOP Richard Appiah. The ceremony drew particular public attention due to the inclusion of gospel musician and police officer ACP Kofi Sarpong, who has now been elevated to the rank of DCOP.
IGP Charges Officers to Intensify Fight Against Crime
Addressing the newly promoted officers, IGP Yohuno emphasized that their elevation was in recognition of their dedication, commitment, and years of service to the Ghana Police Service. He noted that the officers had served a minimum of four years in their previous rank and had demonstrated diligence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“Those who have been promoted have stayed in their ranks for a minimum of four years and have worked diligently with strength and time for them to be promoted,” the IGP stated.
The IGP expressed gratitude to President Mahama for approving the promotions, saying the elevation would motivate the officers to work harder in support of the Service’s efforts to combat crime. “These promotions are to let you know that the government and the people of Ghana are happy with your work. It is also a challenge to you to work harder,” he said.
Dr. Yohuno also charged the officers to intensify their efforts as the country approaches the Christmas and New Year festivities, urging them to work with other senior officers to ensure the festive season passes without major criminal incidents. “Continue to work hard as we are approaching Christmas, so that Ghanaians will enjoy Christmas and the New Year without any criminal attack,” he added.
A Vote of Thanks
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the newly promoted officers, the DCOPs expressed gratitude to President Mahama, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who also chairs the Police Council, Interior Minister Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, and members of the Police Council and POMAB for their support and confidence in their professional abilities.
The officers acknowledged that their promotion was not only an honour but also came with greater responsibility. They pledged to serve Ghana with dignity, professionalism, discipline, dedication, and fairness while upholding the Constitution and laws of the country. “We accept this elevation with humility and a renewed commitment to the Ghana Police Service and the people of Ghana,” they said.
Profile: IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno
Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno was appointed Inspector-General of Police in March 2025, bringing over four decades of law enforcement experience to the position. He joined the Police Service in 1985 and has held several key operational and intelligence roles, including Accra Divisional and Regional Operations Director, Deputy Accra Regional Commander, Accra Regional Commander, Director-General of Operations, and Director-General of the Police Intelligence Directorate.
IGP Yohuno was awarded the Grand Medal for Excellence in Law Enforcement in 2011 for his role in combating armed robbery. He has served in international peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and East Timor, and previously headed the Police Intelligence Directorate, where he resolved several high-profile cases. Known as a “Silent Strategist” and a “Turnaround Tiger,” his leadership has been credited with improving security across the country, including the disbanding of major criminal gangs and the interception of illicit drugs.
Profile: DCOP Kofi Sarpong
DCOP Kofi Sarpong is a well-known Ghanaian gospel musician who has balanced a successful music career with a distinguished career in the Ghana Police Service spanning nearly two decades. He began his police career after completing Berekum Senior High School, graduating as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). His career progressed with promotions to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Superintendent, Chief Superintendent, and in 2022, to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
Sarpong broke into the music scene with his 2010 debut album “Sacrifice,” which featured the popular single “Ayeyi Ndwom” and earned him the Gospel Song of the Year award at the following year’s Ghana Music Awards. He previously served as Director of the Procurement Unit of the Ghana Police Service while continuing to release music and hold concerts, including a show at the National Theatre to raise funds for children’s health insurance registration in underserved communities. In 2023, he graduated from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration with a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy.
Promotion Process and POMAB
Promotions within the Ghana Police Service are governed by Regulation 37 of CI 76, which stipulates that promotions should be based on examination results, seniority, years of service, and satisfactory performance assessments. The minimum period for promotion from ACP to DCOP is four years, subject to satisfactory performance and good conduct.
The Police Management Board (POMAB) is headed by the Inspector-General of Police and is made up of Schedule Officers who assist the IGP in the day-to-day administration of the Ghana Police Service. IGP Yohuno reconstituted POMAB in March 2025 to enhance operational efficiency and ensure effective management of the Service.
Conclusion
The decoration of the 22 newly promoted DCOPs marks a significant milestone in the Ghana Police Service’s efforts to strengthen its leadership and enhance its operational capacity. The officers are expected to be assigned to regional commands and other key positions within the Service, where they will play a critical role in the ongoing fight against crime and the maintenance of public safety across the country.
