Ghanaian Lawyer Challenges Constitutionality of Deputy IGP Appointment

A private legal practitioner and lecturer at the UPAS Law School, Justice Abdulai, has taken the Ghanaian government to court over the recent appointment of a deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP). Abdulai argues that the creation of the deputy IGP position is unconstitutional and is seeking a court declaration to that effect.

In a filing dated July 30, 2024, Abdulai stated that the appointment of Commissioner of Police, COP, Mr. Christian Yohuno, as Deputy Inspector General of Police, in charge of operations, by President Nana Akufo-Addo, is unconstitutional and null and void. He is also seeking an order restraining the Deputy IGP from acting in his new role.

Abdulai’s lawsuit is based on his interpretation of Articles 202 (1), 202(2), and 202 (3) of the 1992 Constitution, Section 3 of the Police Service Act 1970 (Act 350), and Regulations 6(1), 6(2), 6(3), and 6(4) of the Police Service Regulations 2012 (C.I. 76).

The hearing of the case has not been scheduled yet, and it remains to be seen how the Ghanaian courts will rule on this matter.