The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has promoted two officers of the Ghana Police Service for their exceptional bravery, swift action, and outstanding professionalism in rescuing robbery victims and arresting seven suspects in a high-risk operation that spanned both the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions.
Chief Inspector Patience Kotoka, attached to the Anyaa District Police Command, has been nominated for the next Police Cadet Course at the Police Academy, a prestigious programme that will see her commissioned into the Senior Officer Corps upon successful completion. Constable Joseph Akondoh, also of the Anyaa Command, has been elevated to the rank of Lance Corporal in recognition of his dedication and courage.
The promotions follow a daring incident in the early hours of Thursday, August 7, 2025. At about 12:30 a.m., the two officers, supported by four Community Police Assistants (CPAs), were conducting a routine snap check at Ablekuma Borkorborkor. During the operation, they stopped a green pickup truck for inspection. Unexpectedly, two distressed men leapt from the open bucket of the vehicle, shouting for help and frantically explaining that they had been abducted.
The victims recounted that they had been attacked the night before by a gang of armed robbers who had seized their 5,400-litre fuel tanker near Nsawam. The robbers forced them into the pickup truck while other members of the gang drove away with the tanker.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the officers swiftly moved to secure the victims and apprehended one of the suspects on the spot. Without delay, intelligence was gathered from the initial arrest, enabling a coordinated follow-up operation. This led the team to the Eastern Region, where six more suspects were tracked down and arrested in separate hideouts. The stolen fuel tanker was successfully recovered, along with other valuable exhibits believed to be linked to the robbery.
On Friday, August 8, 2025, the IGP, alongside members of the Police Management Board, held a brief but impactful ceremony at the Police Headquarters to commend the team. In his remarks, Mr. Yohuno praised the bravery, vigilance, and quick thinking of the officers and CPAs, stressing that their actions had prevented further harm to the victims and ensured the swift dismantling of a criminal network.
“This is the kind of policing we want to see across the country,” the IGP stated. “Officers who act decisively, professionally, and in the best interest of public safety. Your courage is commendable, and your service will not go unnoticed.”
He further called on all police personnel nationwide to emulate this level of commitment, adding that the Police Administration remains committed to recognising and rewarding outstanding acts of service.
The Ghana Police Service has also confirmed that the arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be processed for court after investigations are completed.
