The Police Women’s Association (POLAS) in collaboration with the Police Administration last Friday, August 26th, 2022 hosted a memorable 70th Anniversary Dinner at the Police Fitness and Social Center, Police Headquarters in Accra.
The event was held to celebrate not only the retired and serving female officers, but also the 12 brave women who defied all odds and worked hard for the service.
Speaking at the event, POLAS President, COP Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah commended the 12 brave women for becoming true leading lights.
COP Addo-Danquah urged POLAS members to work tirelessly not only to achieve higher positions but also to earn the highest respect of their male peers.
“12 women joined the Ghana Police Service 70 years ago. Whatever they did or did not do, has brought us all this far. The Breaking of Bread for all of us is one of the activities organized to celebrate 70 years of women in policing,” she said.
Commissioner of Police (COP) (Rtd) Jane Donkor, who is the first woman to become Deputy Commissioner of Police, the First Woman to become Commissioner of Police and the First Present of the Police Ladies Association in delivering her address thanked the Lord for guiding them through 70 years in policing.
“From the humble beginning of us who started on September 1st,1952 (70years ago), the service was all men and never thought about women but we believe the late Kwame Nkrumah was wise to enlist women into the service so we had the first 12 women,” she noted.
COP (Rtd) Donkor noted that 12 women paved the way which is the reason they find themselves here, adding that, when they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2002 all 12 were alive, but sadly when they celebrated 60 and 70 we were only 3 left.
The Former Minister for National Security, COP (RTD), Francis Poku commended POLAS for their great contribution to the service.
“We’re not just celebrating the women’s participation, we’re celebrating their achievements and We are pleased to see women occupying Senior or Top managerial positions in the service. I appreciate their capabilities,” he said.
The Director General National Protection Department, COP Ebenezer Duku on On behalf of the inspector general of police and the Police Management Board (POMAB) delivered a goodwill message and extended their warmest felicitates to the POLAS members on the occasion of their 70th Anniversary.
“As I sat and looked round I had the indication that the policewomen have grown and grown beyond imagination,” he said.
COP Duku noted that the POMAB members can only wish POLAS the best and it’s heartwarming to say that our police officers wherever they find themselves have been counted out to be the best, at the UN they have occupied high positions.
” We pray that whatever standards you have gone to establish in the UN will be replicated to make the Ghana Police Service grow,” he said.
COP Duku in his final words said: “For our part as the administration we will give you all the support you need to grow in the area of service delivery, you have been at the forefront and in our daily police engagements your services are indeed imaginable”.
The Special guest of honour Madam Diana Asonaba Dapaah who doubles as the Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Minister for Justice delivering her address said, “It has been over 120 years since women were introduced into the Police Service. It took a long time, but it was worth it and looking into the history of Police women in Ghana, I cannot help but feel proud”.
“We are very proud of all the women who have made it this far as you celebrate your platinum and I wish to pay a special tribute to the 12 commissioners. Wherever the 9 deceased are and 3 are alive, we are proud of them,” she said.
Madam Asonaba Dapaah added that it was their resilience and tenacity, courage and professionalism that removed all doubts.
“I wish you all the best as you progress in your careers and May the years to come be as beautiful as you look! “She said.
As part of the celebration, some dignitaries including the first 3 commissioners joined the retired and severing executives of POLAS to cut a cake.
