The Ghana Police Service has undergone significant leadership changes as part of a comprehensive restructuring initiative aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and institutional management. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno announced these strategic appointments in an official statement released on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
Key Leadership Appointments
Among the notable appointments, COP Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah has been named as the Director-General of Research and Planning, while COP Paul Manly Awini moves to head the Service Workshop in Accra. These appointments represent part of the IGP’s vision to bring fresh perspectives and experienced leadership to critical divisions within the police service.
The statement, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs, highlighted the IGP’s confidence in the newly appointed officers and his expectations for enhanced service delivery across all police departments.
Reconstituted Police Management Board
A total of 31 senior officers have been appointed to the reconstituted Police Management Board, which serves as the primary policy-making body for the Ghana Police Service. This diverse team brings together experienced officers from various specializations, creating a balanced leadership structure that addresses multiple aspects of policing and security management.
The revamped board includes:
- COP Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah (Director-General, Research & Planning)
- COP Paul Manly Awini (Service Workshop, Accra)
- COP Daniel Kwame Afriyie (Director-General, PSO)
- COP Dr. Ernest Kwabena Owusu (Director-General, SVCS)
- COP Mohammed Fuseini Suraji (Director-General, NPD)
Regional Command Changes
The restructuring also includes strategic changes in regional commands, with several experienced officers taking up new positions across Ghana’s regions:
- DCOP Duuti Tuaruka (Regional Commander, Ashanti Region)
- DCOP Francis Kwame Tsidi (Regional Commander, Western North Region)
- DCOP Abraham Acquaye (Regional Commander, Central Region)
- ACP Wisdom Akorli (Regional Commander, Volta Region)
- ACP Joshua Coppson (Regional Commander, Volta North Region)
- ACP Wisdom Lavoe (Regional Commander, Northern Region)
These appointments reflect the IGP’s commitment to ensuring balanced leadership across Ghana’s diverse regions, with each commander bringing unique insights and approaches to their respective jurisdictions.
Technical and Specialized Divisions
The restructuring places particular emphasis on strengthening specialized divisions critical to modern policing:
- DCOP Sebastien Atsu Wemegah has been appointed as Director-General of ICT, signaling the service’s commitment to technological advancement in law enforcement
- DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor takes charge as Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID)
- DCOP Eric Ken Winful heads the National Protection Department (NAPD)
- DCOP Gabriel Prince Waabu will lead the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD)
These appointments highlight the IGP’s focus on enhancing the service’s investigative capabilities, traffic management, and cybersecurity measures.
Implications for Ghana’s Security Landscape
These comprehensive changes are critical for Ghana’s security framework, with increasing challenges in cybercrime, organized crime, and cross-border security threats. Security experts, including those from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, have emphasized the importance of leadership renewal in addressing evolving security challenges.
The restructuring aligns with the government’s broader National Security Strategy, which aims to modernize security institutions and enhance their responsiveness to contemporary threats.
Public Expectations and Future Outlook
Public security remains a top concern for Ghanaians, with recent Ghana Statistical Service surveys indicating increased expectations for police effectiveness. These leadership changes are expected to address public concerns while bringing fresh perspectives to longstanding challenges in law enforcement.
Security analysts from the Africa Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies suggest that these appointments could potentially improve community policing initiatives and more efficiently allocate resources across the service.
Conclusion
As Ghana continues to position itself as a beacon of stability in West Africa, these strategic leadership appointments within the Police Service represent a significant step toward enhancing institutional capacity and operational effectiveness. The reconstituted Police Management Board, with its diverse expertise, is well-positioned to address both traditional and emerging security challenges.
Take Action
For citizens interested in community policing initiatives or reporting security concerns, visit the Ghana Police Service official website or contact your local police station. Security professionals seeking collaboration opportunities can reach out to the Research and Planning Directorate for potential partnerships.