COP Lydia Donkor makes history as first Ghanaian, sole female elected to INTERPOL Africa Committee

Commissioner of Police (COP), Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, has been elected to the newly established INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee, making history as both the first Ghanaian and the only woman on the committee.

Her election, confirmed during the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference currently underway in Cape Town, marks a significant milestone for Ghana and for gender inclusion in international policing.

COP Donkor will serve a four-year term on the committee, which is tasked with shaping strategic law enforcement priorities across the continent.

As one of the most seasoned intelligence professionals on the continent, COP Donkor’s appointment is a strong recognition of her distinguished career and leadership within Ghana’s security architecture.

Her presence on the committee highlights the increasing visibility and influence of women in high-level security decision-making.

“This is not only a personal achievement but a landmark moment for women in policing across Africa,” COP Donkor stated. “It is a privilege to represent Ghana and contribute to strengthening regional and global security.”

The newly formed INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee is designed to enhance law enforcement cooperation among African countries.

The committee advises the INTERPOL African Regional Conference on crime trends and helps formulate coordinated responses to transnational threats, including cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime.

Other members elected to the committee for a four-year term include Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, while Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Sudan have been nominated for two-year terms.

In her address at the conference, COP Donkor highlighted Ghana’s advancements in combating cybercrime, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art Digital Forensics Laboratory within the Ghana Police Service — the only one of its kind in the country.

She also noted the success of international collaborations, particularly through Operation Serengeti, a recent INTERPOL-led crackdown on cybercriminal infrastructure that resulted in multiple arrests and asset recovery.

“We’ve shown that through innovation, partnership, and persistence, we can secure our digital space and disrupt cross-border crime,” she said.

The conference, which brings together high-ranking security officials from 56 countries, serves as a strategic platform to deepen cooperation, promote innovation, and foster joint action against rising security threats on the continent.

COP Lydia Donkor’s election to the INTERPOL Africa Committee is a resounding endorsement of Ghana’s leadership in international law enforcement and a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and public safety.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith