A Sergeant in the Ghana Police Service, Sgt. David Ojeyim, has alleged in a sworn court document that the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, instructed him and 10 other officers to defy directives issued by the Police Administration.
This assertion was made in a lawsuit filed at the High Court, where Sgt. Ojeyim is seeking an Order of Judicial Review concerning the actions taken against him and his colleagues.
In his testimony, Sgt. Ojeyim claims that his refusal to comply with a transfer directive, conveyed through a Police Signal, was based on direct orders from the DIGP. According to Paragraph 18 of his sworn affidavit, “Since the team enlisted for the assignment was at the direction and instruction of the Deputy IGP, we informed him on October 2, 2024, of the transfer signal wherefore he directed us not to comply with same. He further directed us to make an entry into the station diary, which we complied with.” This statement raises significant questions about the authority and responsibilities of police officers at various ranks within the organization.
Sgt. Ojeyim, a member of the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID), revealed that he and 11 other officers were recruited by ASP Alhaji Jalil Bawa, an officer of the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD), at the behest of Mr. Yohuno. The purpose of their recruitment was to undertake an intelligence-gathering operation, which they called “Operation D-Day.” This operation was reportedly initiated to address rising concerns about crime in certain areas and was intended to enhance the capacity of the police to gather critical information.
The allegations have sparked significant interest, not only within the Police Service but also among the public, as they bring to light issues of compliance, command structure, and accountability. Sgt. Ojeyim noted that despite ASP Jalil Bawa not being a member of the PID, he nevertheless assumed authority in recruiting officers for what was described as an intelligence operation. The formation of this task force included establishing a WhatsApp group titled “Operation D-Day” to facilitate coordination and communication among the officers involved.
As the team proceeded with their assigned duties, Sgt. Ojeyim and several other members received a directive from the Police Administration transferring them out of Accra. According to his court filing, upon receiving the transfer order, he immediately informed Mr. Yohuno on October 2, 2024. Sgt. Ojeyim claimed that the DIGP explicitly instructed them to disregard the transfer order, describing it as “dubious and without justification.” This instruction to defy a formal directive raises critical questions about the chain of command and the legitimacy of orders issued within the police force.
Following their noncompliance with the transfer directive, Sgt. Ojeyim and the other officers were subsequently interdicted pending a service inquiry. However, the filing of their lawsuit at the High Court has effectively placed any disciplinary actions on hold until the legal proceedings conclude. The officers are now in a precarious situation, facing possible repercussions for their actions while simultaneously seeking legal redress for what they allege to be wrongful treatment.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions within the Police Service, raising essential discussions about authority, compliance, and the procedural integrity of the institution. Sgt. Ojeyim’s sworn testimony and the legal action initiated by him and his colleagues bring to light internal dynamics that could have broader implications for the service’s operational protocols. The officers are now relying on the judiciary to determine whether their refusal to obey the transfer order was justified under the circumstances.
In his court filing, Sgt. Ojeyim emphasized that the team’s actions were guided by directives from a senior officer, reinforcing their belief that they were acting within the framework of their duties. He argued that the transfer directive was not only unjustified but also potentially an attempt to disrupt the intelligence operation initiated under Mr. Yohuno’s leadership. This situation raises concerns about how directives are issued and followed within the police hierarchy and whether officers can be expected to adhere to orders that may conflict with instructions from higher authorities.
The interdicted officers face a critical juncture, as the outcome of their legal challenge will not only determine their professional futures but may also influence the operational protocols and governance structures within the Police Service. As they await the court’s decision, the stakes remain high. The case has the potential to establish a precedent regarding the interpretation of directives and authority within law enforcement agencies in Ghana.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the public, as well as other stakeholders, are closely monitoring the situation. The implications of this case extend beyond the individual officers involved; they touch upon fundamental issues of governance, accountability, and the effectiveness of the police in maintaining law and order. The judiciary’s handling of the matter will be critical in shaping the future dynamics of the Ghana Police Service.
In conclusion, Sgt. Ojeyim and his colleagues are at a crossroads, facing the dual challenges of navigating police disciplinary processes while seeking justice through the legal system. The outcome of their case will not only impact their careers but also hold significant implications for the operational integrity and accountability of the Ghana Police Service moving forward. As the court process unfolds, it will be essential to examine the implications of their claims and the responses from the Police Administration, ensuring that the principles of justice and accountability are upheld in the interest of the Ghanaian public.
