The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has promoted and decorated the entire Special Operations Team of the Ghana Police Service, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abdul Bawah Jalil, in recognition of their exceptional dedication and operational successes across several parts of the country.
Speaking at the promotion ceremony held at the Police Headquarters in Accra, the IGP said the decision followed the team’s consistent performance in tackling complex security challenges, including illegal activities, violent conflicts and organized crime.
Mr. Yohuno explained that the team began operations on a modest scale but quickly distinguished itself after its first deployment to the Akonta Mines in the Western Region.
Following that assignment, the officers were redeployed to other high-risk areas where illegal activities, particularly organized crime and unlawful financial dealings, were rife.
According to the IGP, the team was instrumental in sanitising areas such as Manso Edubia, which he described as a hotspot for illegal operations, restoring calm and lawfulness through professional and decisive policing.
He further recounted that during a period of conflict, the Service required a strong and reliable force to be deployed to volatile areas.
As a result, a team of about 100 officers, led by the most senior officer at the time, DSP Dawson, was dispatched from Manso and redeployed as far as Oti region to contain the situation.
“We all saw what they did there. They managed to sanitise the place,” the IGP noted.
Mr. Yohuno also revealed that when intelligence reports later indicated that criminals had taken over parts of the Tamale metropolis, the Special Operations Team was again called upon.
The officers split into two groups and were deployed to contain the situation, successfully restoring order.
He said the impact of their work was so significant that residents of Tamale later appealed to police authorities not to withdraw the team from the area.
Describing the officers’ conduct as a clear demonstration of dedication, hard work and professionalism, the IGP said Police Management subsequently submitted their names for promotion.
The recommendations were endorsed by the Police Management Board and overwhelmingly approved by the Police Council.
As a result, ASP Abdul Bawah Jalil, together with all officers who served under the Special Operations Team during the various deployments, have been promoted and officially decorated.
Mr. Yohuno emphasized that the recognition was not limited to the team leaders alone but extended to every officer who participated in the operations, reaffirming the Police Administration’s commitment to rewarding teamwork, sacrifice and excellence in service.
