The Ghana Police Service has interdicted seven police personnel over an alleged extortion incident in Accra involving a member of the public. According to a press statement issued on Wednesday, September 16, the officers, who were members of a patrol team, are alleged to have demanded money from the victim and compelled him to withdraw the funds from an ATM for them.
The personnel interdicted are Inspector Courage Boateng, General Sergeant Stephen Addo, General Corporal Moses Anyarvi, General Corporal Prosper Adiabo, General Lance Corporal Samuel Anokye, General Constable Henrietta Coleman and General Constable Bernard Amoako.
According to sources cited by Graphic Online, the victim in the case may be a diplomat, though police have not publicly confirmed the victim’s identity.
Interdiction to Allow PPSB Investigation
The Police Service said the interdiction has been ordered to allow the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) to investigate the allegations. The PPSB is the internal unit responsible for investigating complaints and misconduct allegations against police officers.
“The interdiction is to allow the Police Professional Standards Bureau to conduct its ongoing investigation,” the police statement said.
The PPSB’s mandate includes investigating public complaints against officers, monitoring compliance with international professional standards and human rights norms, and maintaining professional conduct within the service. The bureau has the authority to initiate formal disciplinary proceedings for substantiated misconduct, including recommending demotion, suspension or dismissal.
Police Pledge Thorough Investigation
The Ghana Police Service assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
The police emphasised that the interdiction does not in itself establish the allegations against the officers, with the case remaining subject to the ongoing investigation by the PPSB. Under Ghana Police Service regulations, interdicted officers are typically placed on half pay and barred from performing official duties or wearing uniforms, though the measure is preventive rather than punitive in nature.
Background: Police Corruption Under Scrutiny
The case marks another integrity scandal facing the Ghana Police Service in recent months. Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno has repeatedly stressed that the service is cracking down on corruption within its ranks, promoting a strategy of “promotion instead of bribery” to incentivise integrity.
However, allegations of police extortion continue to surface. In August 2026, the Inspector-General summoned the Volta Regional Commander over allegations of harassment, intimidation and extortion of local traders along the Aflao–Accra highway. In December 2025, five officers were interdicted for improper use of uniforms on social media.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak previously announced plans to establish an independent police complaints commission by the end of 2025 to investigate serious incidents and set conduct standards outside the police hierarchy. Human rights organisations have also continued to call for stronger external oversight mechanisms to boost public trust in the police force.
