The controversial appointment of Commissioner of Police (Rtd.) Nathan Kofi Boakye to the Police Council is now at the center of a legal battle, as a G
The controversial appointment of Commissioner of Police (Rtd.) Nathan Kofi Boakye to the Police Council is now at the center of a legal battle, as a Ghanaian businesswoman has dragged the former police chief, the Council, and the Attorney-General before the Supreme Court, citing alleged constitutional breaches and discrimination.
The plaintiff, Henrietta Nana Yaa Simpson, on Monday, June 23, 2025, filed a writ at the apex court challenging the legality of Boakye’s presence on the Council.
She contends that his appointment by the President was unlawful and bypassed the procedures enshrined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and relevant statutory frameworks governing the composition of the Police Council.
The Crux of the Challenge
At the heart of Simpson’s petition is a claim of procedural illegality and gender discrimination.
She argues that under Article 201(f) of the Constitution — as amended by Act 527 — and sections 10 and 39 of the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350), the position on the Police Council reserved for retired senior police officers must be filled based on a nomination from the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO).
According to her, COP (Rtd.) Boakye was not nominated by NARPO, and as such, his appointment is null, void, and unconstitutional.
She insists that the only legitimate nominee from the association was ACP (Rtd.) Florence Arthur, the duly elected President of NARPO, who has been unfairly sidelined.
Allegations of Gender Bias
Simpson’s suit not only questions the constitutional validity of the appointment but also raises claims of gender-based exclusion.
She asserts that ACP Florence Arthur was overlooked solely because of her gender and rank, even though she meets all the legal qualifications as a senior retired police officer.
“The prescriptive removal of ACP (Rtd.) Florence Arthur from the composition of the Police Council on the basis of her rank and gender is discriminatory,” Simpson argues in her statement of claim, invoking Article 17 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination.
Reliefs Sought from the Court
The lawsuit, brought under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, seeks several declaratory reliefs:
1. A declaration that only NARPO can nominate a retired senior officer to the Police Council under Article 201(f).
2. A declaration that ACP (Rtd.) Florence Arthur is a qualified nominee and was unfairly excluded.
3. A ruling that the President’s unilateral appointment of COP (Rtd.) Kofi Boakye violated the Constitution.
4. An order directing the removal of COP (Rtd.) Boakye from the Police Council.
5. An order compelling the inclusion of ACP (Rtd.) Arthur in his stead.
The Defendants and Legal Implications
The suit names three defendants:
1st Defendant: COP (Rtd.) Nathan Kofi Boakye
2nd Defendant: The Police Council
3rd Defendant: The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
Legal analysts suggest this case could test the boundaries of presidential discretion in appointing members to statutory bodies and may also serve as a landmark decision on the interpretation of constitutional clauses governing inclusion and representation in public institutions.
If the court upholds Simpson’s claims, it could lead to a restructuring of the Police Council and set a precedent for strict adherence to nomination procedures by constitutionally recognized bodies like NARPO.
Who is Kofi Boakye?
Once one of the most prominent and controversial police officers, COP (Rtd.) Nathan Kofi Boakye served in various top security roles before retiring.
He was appointed Director of Operations at the Presidency after his retirement — a move that itself drew scrutiny from civil society groups citing the politicization of security institutions.
His current position on the Police Council, which plays a critical role in police administration and policy direction, has reignited debates over partisan influence and gender inclusivity in public appointments.
The Supreme Court is expected to set a date for hearing the case.
Meanwhile, public interest in the matter continues to grow, with women’s rights groups and governance watchdogs closely monitoring the proceedings.
For now, Kofi Boakye remains in the hot seat, not for his law enforcement record, but for a constitutional test that could redefine who qualifies to represent retired officers on one of the powerful security bodies.
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