By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Commissioner of Police, Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, has made history by being elected to the newly formed INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee.
Her election is significant on two counts: she is the first Ghanaian ever to serve on a regional committee of INTERPOL, the world’s largest police organization, and the only female member on the Africa Committee.
Security experts say this achievement is special because it reflects both Ghana’s growing leadership in global policing and the breaking of gender barriers in law enforcement. At a time when women occupy less than a fifth of senior policing roles across Africa, COP Donkor’s presence on the Committee is a milestone for gender inclusion in international security leadership.
In her reaction, COP Donkor described the appointment as a call to serve.
“This is an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice in global policing. I am deeply humbled to serve, and I hope my presence inspires more women to pursue leadership roles in security and justice,” she said.
The INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee will play a key role in setting strategic priorities for the fight against transnational crime, advising the African Regional Conference, and strengthening cross-border cooperation in law enforcement.
Alongside Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa were elected to serve four-year terms on the Committee, while Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Sudan secured two-year seats.
For Ghana, COP Donkor’s election cements the country’s influence in global policing circles. For women in law enforcement, it is a powerful reminder that leadership, excellence, and service know no gender.
