The Executive Director of Peace Watch Ghana, Madam Nyonkopa Daniels, has strongly advocated for the appointment of the current Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, as the next Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Madam Daniels argued that COP Donkor has distinguished herself and demonstrated beyond doubt that she is an efficient, competent, dedicated, and professional officer.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Madam Daniels stated that if President John Dramani Mahama intends to appoint a new IGP after the official retirement of the current one, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, without a contract extension, the most qualified candidate should be COP Lydia Yaako Donkor.
She initially appealed to the President to consider granting a one-year contract extension to the incumbent IGP.
Madam Daniels acknowledged the recent notice from the Presidency, signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, which indicated that there would be no contract extensions for any appointee.
The Peace Watch Ghana Executive Director commended COP Lydia Yaako Donkor for her outstanding leadership as CID boss, citing remarkable achievements under her tenure. She noted that, with support from the IGP, COP Donkor has overseen the arrest of several criminals, including those convicted of intentional crimes, and the successful rescue of kidnapped persons.
Madam Daniels also expressed concern over the recent “IGP Must Go” campaign being pushed by some individuals, emphasizing that the decision regarding the IGP’s tenure lies solely with the President.
“There are instances where some officers have had their contracts extended after retirement. We’ve seen it happen in the past. The current IGP is solid and competent—he delivered results as a regional commander in Accra and in other departments before his current role. But when your time is up, it’s the President who decides who takes over. I’m only appealing that he be given a one-year extension. If the President says there will be no extensions, I cannot oppose it—but it’s just an appeal,” she said.
Reiterating her conviction, Madam Daniels stated: “After he serves his full term, I will recommend COP Lydia Yaako Donkor as the next IGP. I will vouch for her and lead Ghanaian women to advocate for her appointment. President Mahama has already shown his belief in women by appointing Ghana’s first female Vice Presidential candidate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.”
She further noted that Ghana already has female heads of the Fire and Prison Services, adding that it is time for a woman to head the Police Service.
“The only person qualified and competent to take over from Christian Tetteh Yohonu is COP Lydia Yaako Donkor,” she declared.
Madam Daniels concluded by telling host Kwabena Agyapong that, in the past, a female IGP appointment was nearly achieved but was “swerved,” stressing that such an occurrence should not be repeated this time.
