Profile: Meet Ghana’s new CID boss, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor

DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the latest reshuffle of the Ghana Police Service led by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno.

In the ever-evolving landscape of law enforcement and legal advocacy in Ghana, few individuals have made as significant an impact as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Yaako Donkor.

With an extensive background in policing, legal practice, and human rights advocacy, DCOP Donkor has consistently stood out with every step of her career, roles and achievements, a testament to this.

Early Life and Education

A product of Wesley Girls Senior High School, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon. She later pursued a Barrister-at-Law qualification at the Ghana School of Law, solidifying her legal expertise. Recognizing the need for further specialization, she earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the prestigious University of Leeds in the United Kingdom in International and Human Rights Law.

Career in Law and Law Enforcement

DCOP Donkor’s professional journey is an impressive blend of law practice and law enforcement. She began her career as an Associate at Acquah-Sampson & Associates, where she handled litigation and legal drafting. She also served as a Pro Bono advocate for the Legal Aid Board in Takoradi, where she championed gender and children’s rights, providing legal representation for underprivileged communities.

Her transition into law enforcement was marked by a swift rise through the ranks of the Ghana Police Service. She served in various capacities, including Head of Legal & Prosecutions in multiple regions, Divisional Commander of Tesano, and District Commander of Tesano-Accra. Her dedication to justice and the rule of law earned her a place in international peacekeeping, serving as a United Nations Police Officer (UNPOL) in Liberia, where she played a pivotal role in internal evaluations and addressing conduct and discipline issues. Today, she is the most senior lawyer in the Ghana Police Service having been called to the bar almost 25 years ago.

Commitment to Professional Development

DCOP Donkor’s thirst for knowledge and excellence has led her to participate in numerous professional training programs and workshops worldwide. From attending the United Nations Senior Mission Leaders’ Course in Korea to the International Association of Women Police Officers’ Conferences in Canada, South Africa, and the United States, she has continuously honed her skills. Her expertise extends to counter-terrorism, anti-human trafficking, money laundering, and election security.

Championing Human Rights and Women’s Empowerment

Beyond her duties in law enforcement, DCOP Donkor is an advocate for human rights and gender equality. She is a proud member of the Ghana Bar Association, the Police Ladies Association, and the International Association of Women Police Officers. She is currently Chairperson of the Safety & Security Committee of the Ghana Football Association and a Safety and Security Officer for the Confederation of African Football, travelling around the continent to ensure games are secured for fans, players and officials alike. She has also transformed the Police Ladies FC, one of the strongest teams in the Ghana Women’s Premier League where she is the Chief Executive Office. Her involvement in football highlights her commitment to community engagement and promoting women’s involvement in sports.

Current Leadership and Future Prospects

Currently serving as the Director-General of the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB), DCOP Donkor continues to set high standards for professionalism and integrity in the Ghana Police Service. She remains dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and accountability of law enforcement in Ghana while mentoring the next generation of police officers and legal professionals.

Conclusion

DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor’s journey is a testament to resilience, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to justice and human rights. As she continues to break barriers and inspire many, her legacy in law enforcement and legal advocacy remains an indelible mark in Ghana’s justice system.

Breakdown of credentials and career highlights

Early Life and Education

• Attended Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, a prestigious institution in Ghana.
• Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon.
• Obtained a Barrister-at-Law qualification from the Ghana School of Law.
• Furthered her specialization with a Master of Laws (LLM) in International and Human Rights Law from the University of Leeds, UK.

Career in Law and Law Enforcement

• Began her legal career as an Associate at Acquah-Sampson & Associates, handling litigation and legal drafting.
• Provided pro bono legal services for the Legal Aid Board in Takoradi, advocating for gender and children’s rights.
• Transitioned into the Ghana Police Service, rising through various ranks and key leadership roles:
  • Head of Legal & Prosecutions in multiple regions.
  • Divisional Commander and District Commander of Tesano, Accra.
  • United Nations Police Officer (UNPOL) in Liberia, contributing to internal evaluations and conduct discipline.
• Currently the most senior lawyer in the Ghana Police Service, with nearly 25 years of legal experience.
• Currently Serving as Director-General of the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB).

• Expertise spans counterterrorism, anti-human trafficking, money laundering, and election security.

• Involvement in sports
  • Chairperson of the Safety & Security Committee of the Ghana Football Association.
  • Safety & Security Officer for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), overseeing match security across the continent.
    CEO of Police Ladies FC, a top team in the Ghana Women’s Premier League, promoting women’s involvement in sports.

The post Profile: Meet Ghana’s new CID boss, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor first appeared on 3News.

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