DCOP Lydia Donkor appointed D-G of CID

New Leadership at the Criminal Investigations Department

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Yaako Donkor has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. Her appointment forms part of a major reshuffle within the Ghana Police Service announced by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno.

According to a statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Police Service on March 19, 2025, the changes affected various directorates and regional commands and took immediate effect.

DCOP Donkor’s appointment places one of the Service’s most experienced legal and law enforcement officers at the helm of the CID, the department responsible for investigating serious and complex crimes.

A Career Built on Law and Justice

DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor has built a distinguished career at the intersection of law, policing and human rights advocacy.

Her academic journey began at Wesley Girls Senior High School before she proceeded to the University of Ghana, Legon, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Political Science.

She subsequently pursued a Barrister-at-Law qualification at the Ghana School of Law and later obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in International and Human Rights Law from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.

Her legal training has provided a strong foundation for her work in policing, particularly in areas involving criminal investigations, prosecution, human rights and professional standards.

From Legal Practice to the Ghana Police Service

Before joining the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Donkor worked as an Associate at Acquah-Sampson & Associates, where she was involved in litigation and legal drafting.

She also served as a Pro Bono advocate for the Legal Aid Board in Takoradi, where she provided legal assistance to underprivileged communities and advocated for the rights of women and children.

Her transition into policing saw her take on several important responsibilities and rise through the ranks of the Ghana Police Service.

Among other roles, she served as Head of Legal and Prosecutions in multiple regions, Divisional Commander of Tesano and District Commander of Tesano in Accra.

Her legal expertise and commitment to justice also earned her an opportunity to serve internationally as a United Nations Police Officer (UNPOL) in Liberia. During her peacekeeping assignment, she contributed to internal evaluations and worked on conduct and discipline-related matters.

With almost 25 years since her call to the bar, DCOP Donkor is regarded as the most senior lawyer within the Ghana Police Service.

International Training and Professional Development

Throughout her career, DCOP Donkor has placed strong emphasis on continuous professional development.

She has participated in several international courses, conferences and professional programmes designed to strengthen her expertise in policing, leadership and security.

Among these was the United Nations Senior Mission Leaders’ Course in Korea. She has also participated in conferences organised by the International Association of Women Police Officers in Canada, South Africa and the United States.

Her professional areas of expertise include counter-terrorism, anti-human trafficking, money laundering and election security.

These experiences have equipped her with a broad understanding of both domestic law enforcement and international security standards.

Championing Human Rights and Women

Beyond her policing responsibilities, DCOP Donkor has maintained a strong commitment to human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.

She is a member of the Ghana Bar Association, the Police Ladies Association and the International Association of Women Police Officers.

Her career has also reflected a particular interest in creating opportunities for women and promoting their participation in traditionally male-dominated areas of law enforcement and security.

Her experience in legal advocacy, policing and human rights is expected to be valuable as she assumes responsibility for the CID.

A Strong Connection to Football

DCOP Donkor’s leadership extends beyond traditional policing duties into the sporting arena.

She serves as Chairperson of the Safety and Security Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and also works as a Safety and Security Officer for the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In her CAF role, she travels across the continent to contribute to the security arrangements for football matches, with a focus on protecting fans, players and officials.

She is also the Chief Executive Officer of Police Ladies Football Club, where her leadership has contributed to the development of the club into one of the stronger teams in the Ghana Women’s Premier League.

Her involvement in football has provided another avenue through which she has promoted women’s participation in sports while contributing to safety and security in football.

Experience from the Police Professional Standards Bureau

Before her appointment as Director-General of the CID, DCOP Donkor was serving as the Director-General of the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB).

In that role, she was tasked with matters relating to professionalism, integrity and accountability within the Ghana Police Service.

Her experience at the PPSB, coupled with her extensive background in law, investigations, prosecution and international policing, gives her a broad professional base as she takes charge of the CID.

The Path Forward 

DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor’s appointment marks another significant chapter in a career characterised by legal expertise, policing experience, human rights advocacy and professional development.

As Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department, she is expected to bring her extensive experience in law and law enforcement to the leadership of one of the Ghana Police Service’s most critical directorates.

Her career trajectory, from legal practice and pro bono advocacy to senior police command, international peacekeeping and professional standards, positions her as a seasoned figure in Ghana’s law enforcement landscape.

Her new role also presents an opportunity to further strengthen professionalism, accountability and effectiveness within criminal investigations while mentoring the next generation of police officers and legal professionals.