The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Lydia Yaako-Donkor, has been promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) to Commissioner of Police (COP), joining a distinguished list of officers elevated in a recent promotion exercise.
Her promotion is part of a broader recognition of merit and service within the Ghana Police Service, as a total of 19 senior officers were decorated at a brief but significant ceremony held at the National Police Headquarters in Accra on Monday, July 14, 2025.
The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who officiated the ceremony, applauded the newly promoted officers and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the security services.
He conveyed President John Dramani Mahama’s appreciation for the dedication, professionalism, and resilience of the officers, especially in the face of increasing security challenges.
8 officers attain rank of Commissioner of Police
The CID boss, Lydia Yaako-Donkor, joins a list of eight officers promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police.
Among them are Vance Baba Gariba, Director-General of Operations, Sebastian Atsu Wemegah, Rev. Fr George Arthur, David Agyemang Adjem, Owusu Donyinah, Martin Kwaku Ayiih, and Razak Abdul-Osman.
Their promotions reflect not only individual merit but also institutional recognition of long-standing service to the state.
11 promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police
In addition to the new COPs, eleven Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) were promoted to the rank of DCOP.
These include God-Act Dodzi Hlordzi, Wisdom Korli, Joseph Owusu Ansah, Joshua Copson, Obed Dzikunu, Phyllis Ama Tebuah Osei, William Wowolo, William Kofi Donkor, Wisdom Lavoe, Francis Christopher Abaka, and Benjamin K. Agordzo (retired).
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak emphasised that promotions were more than ceremonial—they were a call to higher responsibility and dedication.
He urged the officers to let their elevation serve as motivation to deliver their very best in safeguarding the peace, security, and integrity of the country.
The Minister noted that these promotions should serve as a signal that merit, not patronage, is the yardstick for advancement in Ghana’s security services.
He also took the opportunity to task the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to conduct a thorough review of all outstanding and delayed promotions to ensure that other deserving officers are similarly recognised and motivated.
Promotions to uplift morale
Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, praised the government for its continued support and described the promotions as a necessary morale booster for the entire Police Service. He said the recognition of senior officers sends a strong message to all ranks that service and sacrifice are appreciated at the highest levels.
According to the IGP, the presence of the Interior Minister at the ceremony was not only symbolic but also a demonstration of the Mahama administration’s commitment to the welfare of police personnel who often work in difficult conditions across the country.
Newly promoted officers pledge to serve with integrity
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Commissioner of Police Razak Abdul-Osman expressed gratitude for the honour and described the elevation as a call to greater responsibility.
He said the officers did not view their promotions as privileges but as duties entrusted to them by the state and its people.
“We see this not as a privilege, but as a responsibility you have imposed on us to serve, to live by example, and to give you the opportunity to establish a legacy worth emulating,” he said.
He assured the Minister and the leadership of the Police Service that they would use the opportunity to work harder and serve the nation with integrity and professionalism.
He also prayed for divine wisdom to help them execute their duties faithfully, both in service to the Ghana Police Service and to the Ghanaian people at large.
