Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, has been elected to serve a four-year term as a member of the newly formed INTERPOL Africa Committee.
She makes history as the first Ghanaian and the only female member of the regional body.
Her election marks a significant milestone not only for Ghana but also for women in policing across Africa. As the only female member, COP Lydia Donkor’s presence on the Committee symbolises the growing recognition of gender inclusion in high-level security and law enforcement decision-making structures.
It also highlights her distinguished career, leadership, and contributions to justice and accountability in Ghana and beyond.
This achievement positions COP Donkor as a trailblazer. Being the first Ghanaian to serve on a regional committee of INTERPOL—the world’s largest international police organisation—reflects both Ghana’s standing in global policing and her personal dedication to security, law enforcement cooperation, and the rule of law.
The newly established INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee will play a vital role in strengthening cooperation among African countries in the fight against transnational crime.
Its responsibilities include identifying strategic priorities, advising on security challenges unique to the region, and proposing actionable recommendations to the African Regional Conference.
Alongside COP Donkor, the Committee’s inaugural members include representatives from Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, who will also serve four-year terms. Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Sudan were nominated to serve two-year terms.
COP Lydia Yaako Donkor’s election is widely seen as an opportunity for the continent to benefit from her expertise, vision, and commitment to advancing policing standards across Africa over the next four years.
