Ten officers of the Ghana Police Service have filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to prevent the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) from enforcing a transfer directive that they argue is baseless and unjustified. The officers, led by Sergeant David Ojeyim, are challenging the directive issued by the Police Administration, claiming it lacks merit and violates established procedures.
According to court documents, the officers were initially recruited for an intelligence-gathering operation under the directive of Deputy IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno. However, they allege that their subsequent transfer orders contradict the purpose of their original assignment and have led to unnecessary disruption.
Sergeant Ojeyim explained that the operation, initiated on September 26, 2024, was sanctioned by Deputy IGP Yohuno. The directive tasked him with organizing a team for intelligence-gathering duties. In compliance, Sergeant Ojeyim enlisted the following personnel:
1. Sergeant Prince Owusu Fayosey
2. Sergeant Seidu Essilfie
3. Sergeant Alex Abah
4. Corporal John Yao Adzimagbor
5. Corporal Michael Kwasi Avuyi
6. Corporal Huudu Muhammed Wumbe
7. Corporal Kabiru Mohammed
8. Corporal Hannah Antwi-Boasiako
9. IC/Inspector Alexander Odoi
On September 27, 2024, a briefing was held at the residence of ASP Alhaji Jalil Bawa to outline the scope of the assignment. While most of the team attended, a few members, including Sergeant Fayosey, Corporal Avuyi, and Corporal Wumbe, were absent. Sergeant Essilfie, who serves as the personal driver to the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency, joined the meeting toward its conclusion. During the briefing, ASP Bawa directed Sergeant Ojeyim to create a WhatsApp group to facilitate smooth communication among team members, which was immediately done.
However, on October 1, 2024, Sergeant Ojeyim was summoned by ASP Julius Elemawusi Zodanu, the Staff Officer, who informed him that a transfer signal had been received from Police Headquarters. The transfer list included all officers involved in the intelligence assignment, with most being reassigned to remote regions such as the Upper West, Upper East, and Western Regions. Notably, only one officer, Sergeant Alex Abah, was transferred to the National Operations Department at Headquarters.
Upon receiving the transfer signal, Sergeant Ojeyim and his team reported the matter to Deputy IGP Yohuno on October 2, 2024. Deputy IGP Yohuno allegedly deemed the directive dubious and unjustified, advising the officers not to comply. He further instructed them to document their non-compliance in the station diary. This entry was made under the supervision of Inspector Hamid Zakariah and recorded in the Police Intelligence Directorate’s Station Diary at 9:50 PM.
The officers contend that the transfers are not only unjustified but also punitive in nature. They argue that the sudden reassignment to remote areas disrupts their lives and careers, effectively undermining the core objective of their intelligence-gathering mission. The plaintiffs assert that the directive disregards the strategic importance of their operation and the resources invested in it.
On October 3, 2024, at approximately 11:00 AM, Sergeant Ojeyim and Inspector Zakariah were summoned by the Staff Officer for a crucial meeting. The Staff Officer invited Chief Inspector Maxwell Atiiru as a witness before delivering an important message. However, when the officers requested a copy of the message, the Staff Officer declined, stating that no copy was available for them.
The rest of the officers involved in the intelligence assignment were later informed of their interdiction. According to the plaintiffs, this interdiction, pending a service inquiry, is yet another indication of an attempt to sideline them without due process. They further allege that the disciplinary process has been delayed unnecessarily, compounding the frustration and uncertainty surrounding their case.
The officers argue that the transfers violate the Police Service Regulations 2012 (C.I. 76), which governs the administration and operations of the Ghana Police Service. These regulations were established to ensure efficient administration and provide clear guidelines for the creation of directorates and delegation of roles.
The plaintiffs claim that their reassignment undermines the operational framework set by Deputy IGP Yohuno, who initially authorized their deployment for intelligence-gathering duties. They allege that the transfer orders appear retaliatory, issued without merit, and intended to create unnecessary hardship for them.
The officers also highlight procedural lapses in the implementation of the transfer directive. They maintain that the lack of communication and clarity surrounding their interdiction further demonstrates the arbitrary nature of the decisions taken against them. They are now seeking judicial intervention to address these grievances and ensure adherence to established regulations.
The High Court has been petitioned to issue a judicial review of the transfer directive and to determine the legality and propriety of the interdictions. The officers are seeking an injunction to halt the implementation of the transfers until the case is resolved.
This lawsuit sheds light on broader challenges within the Ghana Police Service regarding transparency, fairness, and the balance between administrative authority and the rights of personnel. The outcome of this case is expected to set a significant precedent for how transfer directives and disciplinary measures are handled in the future.
As the officers await the High Court’s decision, their case has garnered significant public and institutional attention. The situation raises critical questions about the treatment of personnel within the Ghana Police Service, the protection of their rights, and the importance of ensuring fairness in administrative decisions.
