I Led the Arrest of Kombian, Ata Ayi, and Low Ranger, Yet I Was Never Promoted – Bright Oduro

Former Police Commissioner Bright Oduro hasquestioned the fairness of promotion decisionsmadeduring the administration of outgoingIGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, arguing thatcertain practicesmay have weakened moralewithin the Ghana Police Service.

During an appearance on Channel One TV’s BigIssues, Oduro called for greater transparency inthepromotion process, particularly regarding casesin which less senior officers were elevatedabovecolleagues who had served longer in the force.

Oduro drew on his own professional experience toillustrate his concerns, recalling that he playedanimportant role in capturing well-known criminalssuch as Johnson Kombian and Charles “AtaAyi.”Nevertheless, he said these contributionsdid not result in his promotion.

According to him, he carried out his duties diligentlywithout expecting special recognition, reflectingtheculture that existed during his years in service.

While conceding that outstanding officers sometimesdeserve accelerated promotion, Oduro insistedthatsuch arrangements should not underminethe police service’s chain of command.

He warned that when newly promoted officersleapfrog several senior colleagues, the decisioncangenerate dissatisfaction, damage professionalrelationships, and create divisions among personnel.

The former commissioner further questioned thefrequency of promotions during Dampare’sleadership,suggesting that the approach left some experiencedofficers feeling overlooked and demotivated.

He also raised concerns about the transfer ofpolice personnel, alleging that some transfers wereconductedwithout proper adherence to establishedprocedures. In his view, these administrative decisionscontributedto tensions within the institution.

Oduro’s remarks have added to the debatesurrounding Dampare’s leadership as the outgoingIGPprepares to relinquish his position. His criticismhas placed renewed emphasis on the need forclearpromotion criteria, consistent administrativeprocedures, and fair treatment of officers.

As a new leadership team prepares to take charge,analysts believe addressing these concerns willbeessential to improving morale, maintaininginstitutional discipline, and ensuring that promotionsarebased on transparent and credible standards.