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 serve a four-year term on the newly established INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee.
She becomes the first Ghanaian and the only female member to sit on the committee, a ground-breaking achievement for both Ghana and women in policing across the continent.
Her election was confirmed at the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, where representatives from 56 countries gathered to strengthen collaboration against transnational organised crime.
COP Donkor’s appointment is not only a personal milestone, but a strong statement on gender inclusion in global security leadership.
Her distinguished career marked by integrity, innovation and dedication to justice, has positioned her as a trusted voice in the fight against crime both within Ghana and internationally.
“Ghana is proving that through innovation, partnership and consistency, we can make our digital space safer for all,” COP Donkor remarked during the conference, highlighting Ghana’s success in cybercrime enforcement.
As Director-General of CID, she emphasised Ghana’s leadership in combating cybercrime, noting the Police Service’s use of a state-of-the-art Digital Forensics Laboratory, one of the most advanced on the continent.
Her presentation showcased how Ghana has led multiple successful operations including Operation Serengeti, a joint initiative under INTERPOL that dismantled digital criminal infrastructure and led to high-profile arrests.
Her seat on the Committee not only raises Ghana’s profile on the global law enforcement stage but also ensures that the unique challenges and perspectives of West Africa are represented in shaping policy and regional strategies.
About the INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee
The newly formed Africa Committee of INTERPOL serves as a vital platform for enhancing police cooperation across Africa.
Its responsibilities include identifying strategic priorities in the fight against crime, advising on regional threats and recommending actions to the African Regional Conference.
Countries elected to serve alongside Ghana for a four-year term include; Egypt, Kenya and South Africa, while Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Sudan will serve two-year terms.
COP Lydia Donkor’s role will be pivotal in helping guide the committee’s direction and strategy during her tenure.
As the world’s largest police organisation, INTERPOL’s regional committees play a crucial role in global security efforts and with COP Donkor on board, Ghana is now firmly at the heart of that mission.
