Lt Col Jacqueline Dela, Ghana's first female commanding officer makes history at GMP

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Jacqueline Dela Galley has been appointed as the first female Commanding Officer of the Ghana Military Police (GMP), marking a significant breakthrough in the leadership structure of one of the country’s key security institutions.

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Lt Col Dela Galley officially assumed command on 15 January 2026 during a formal handing-over ceremony at the GMP Headquarters, Duala Barracks, Burma Camp, Accra, with the appointment subsequently announced by the Ghana Armed Forces on 16 January 2026.

Her elevation represents a major step forward in gender inclusion within Ghana’s military command framework. The change-of-command ceremony was rich in military tradition and symbolism, most notably marked by the handing over of the GMP’s “Badger Dog”, the unit’s traditional mascot and emblem of authority, vigilance and discipline.

The symbolic transfer from outgoing Commanding Officer Lt Col Percy Odartey Lamptey to Lt Col Dela Galley signified the formal transition of leadership and responsibility within the Military Police. Brigadier General Albert Assiamah, Deputy General Officer Commanding of the Support Services Command, served as Guest of Honour at the ceremony and described Lt Col Dela Galley’s appointment as “not just historic, but well-deserved.”

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He highlighted the growing strategic importance of the Ghana Military Police within the wider operational and security architecture of the GAF.According to Brig Gen Assiamah, the GMP plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order within the armed forces, enforcing discipline, supporting military high command, and safeguarding critical military installations, responsibilities that continue to expand amid evolving security demands.

The ceremony also highlighted the Ghana Armed Forces’ increasing emphasis on professional meritocracy and gender mainstreaming. Lt Col Dela Galley’s appointment builds upon earlier milestones achieved by women in the military, including Major General Constance Edjeani-Afenu, whose pioneering leadership helped pave the way for greater female representation at senior levels of command.

Outgoing Commanding Officer Lt Col Percy Odartey Lamptey, who has been reassigned as Deputy Director of Inspection and Monitoring at the Inspector General Department, General Headquarters, used the occasion to reflect on achievements made during his tenure. 

He highlighted several infrastructural and logistical improvements at the GMP, including renovations to office blocks and guardrooms, the expansion and re-roofing of specialised vehicle and motorbike sheds, and the installation of a dedicated transformer to enhance power reliability at Duala Barracks.

The Ghana Military Police remains a specialised unit within the GAF, tasked with enforcing discipline, investigating service-related offences, and providing security for high-profile military assets and operations.

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The unit also plays a supporting role in internal security and collaborates with civilian law enforcement agencies when required. This trend aligns with broader national and regional efforts to promote women’s participation in security leadership and peacekeeping operations.

As she takes command of the Ghana Military Police, Lt Col Jacqueline Dela Galley’s appointment stands as a landmark achievement, symbolising progress, professionalism and the evolving face of leadership within Ghana’s military where competence, service and dedication remain the defining pillars of advancement.