COP Lydia Yaako Donkor Joins NACSA Board to Enhance Arms Control Mechanisms in Ghana

Strategic Insights -

Ghana's Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, has brought her wealth of experience in policing, legal practice, and human rights advocacy to the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) Governing Board. Her appointment is expected to strengthen the Commission's capacity to address the complex threats posed by the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Ghana. With over 20 years of experience in counter-terrorism, human trafficking, money laundering, and elections security, COP Donkor joins 14 other Board members with diverse expertise spanning security, law, governance, and development. The reconstituted board is poised to offer strategic guidance and policy oversight as NACSA intensifies its efforts to promote peace and security across the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • COP Lydia Yaako Donkor has been sworn in as a member of the Governing Board of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA).
  • Her appointment brings over 20 years of experience in policing, legal practice, and human rights advocacy to the Board.
  • COP Donkor's expertise spans counter-terrorism, human trafficking, money laundering, and elections security.
  • The reconstituted Board comprises 15 members with diverse expertise, including security, law, governance, and development.
  • The Board is expected to strengthen NACSA's capacity to address the complex threats posed by the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Ghana.
  • COP Donkor has expressed support for the passage of the proposed National Arms Bill into law, which will aid the Ghana Police Service in effectively enforcing the law.
  • The Board includes representatives from various sectors, including the Ghana Police Service, National Security Council, Ministry of the Interior, and Ghana Armed Forces.
  • The reconstituted Board intends to promote peace and security across the country through effective arms control mechanisms.
  • The appointment of COP Donkor and the reconstituted Board marks a crucial step towards ensuring a gun-violence-free, peaceful, safe, and secure Ghana.

Statistics:

  • COP Lydia Yaako Donkor has over 20 years of experience in policing, legal practice, and human rights advocacy.
  • The reconstituted Board comprises 15 members with diverse expertise.
  • COP Donkor's appointment is expected to strengthen NACSA's capacity to address the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Ghana.
  • The proposed National Arms Bill aims to strengthen arms control mechanisms in the country.
  • The Board is poised to offer strategic guidance and policy oversight as NACSA intensifies its efforts to promote peace and security across the country.

Sources:

  • Ghana Web, "COP Lydia Yaako Donkor Sworn in as Member of NACSA Board" (July 28, 2025)