Accra: The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has doubled the Police Academy intake for Cadet Officer Course 54 to a record 700 officers, marking the largest admission in the institution's history. This historic move reflects a significant increase from the traditional intake of between 300 and 400 cadets per course.
According to Ghana Web, previous courses admitted fewer cadets: Course 51 admitted 308 officers, Course 52 admitted 344, and Course 53 admitted 432. The expansion to 700 cadets for Course 54 indicates a major shift in recruitment and training capacity within the service.
To accommodate the increased numbers, both residential and non-residential training models will be utilized. This approach aims to provide training opportunities for all qualified officers, including Chief Inspectors who have been in the same ranks for years. Police sources note that this model has been implemented in the past during accommodation challenges under previous leaderships.
Reports suggest that about 7,500 Chief Inspectors were invited to take the Police Academy entrance examination, with 1,063 officers qualifying after meeting the required scores and passing additional selection processes. Additional officers identified for promotion and those excelling in operational duties are also being considered for Courses 54, 55, and 56.
The Police Administration has secured additional accommodation facilities in Accra and arranged for some officers residing within police enclaves to participate as non-residential cadets. Transportation and logistical support have been organized to ensure seamless participation throughout the programme.
To manage the expanded intake, the Police Academy has increased its support staff, including kitchen and welfare personnel. Lecture halls and training facilities have been fully furnished to maintain effective instruction and uphold high training standards during the six-to-nine-month programme.
Police leadership has assured that despite the unprecedented expansion, training standards will not be compromised. These reforms aim to enhance efficiency and provide greater career progression opportunities within the Ghana Police Service.