Lt. Col. Jacqueline Dela Galley becomes first female commander of Ghana military police

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) marked a historic milestone on Thursday, January 15, 2026, as Lieutenant Colonel Jacqueline Dela Galley formally took command of the Ghana Military Police (GMP), becoming the first woman to lead the elite unit since its establishment.

The change-of-command ceremony, held at the GMP Headquarters, was steeped in military tradition and symbolism. A defining moment of the event was the ceremonial transfer of the Badger Dog, the unit’s revered mascot symbolising vigilance, authority and protection, from the outgoing Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Percy Odartey Lamptey, to his successor.

 

End of an Era, Legacy of Modernisation

The ceremony also served as a moment of reflection on the tenure of Lt. Col. Lamptey, whose leadership was widely credited with significant infrastructural and operational upgrades at Duala Barracks.

In his farewell address, he outlined key improvements implemented under his command to enhance both morale and efficiency, including:

• Major renovations to office complexes and the unit guardroom


• Expansion of guardroom facilities and re-roofing of specialised vehicle and motorbike sheds


• Installation of a dedicated power transformer to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply within the Military Police enclave

Lt. Col. Lamptey, who now assumes duty as Deputy Director of Inspection and Monitoring at the Inspector General Department (General Headquarters), expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Provost Marshals and personnel for their steadfast support and professionalism.

A ‘Well-Deserved’ Appointment

Delivering remarks as Guest of Honour, Brigadier General Albert Assiamah, Deputy General Officer Commanding the Support Services Command, described Lt. Col. Galley’s appointment as both historic and merit-based.

He stressed that her leadership comes at a critical time when the role of the Military Police is increasingly vital to discipline, cohesion and operational effectiveness within the Armed Forces.

“The Ghana Military Police has consistently fulfilled its core mandate of supporting the Military High Command to maintain discipline and morale within the ranks of the Ghana Armed Forces,” Brig. Gen. Assiamah said, praising the unit’s impact on internal security and international peacekeeping missions.

A Step Forward for Gender Inclusion

As the GAF adapts to modern security challenges, the GMP continues to serve as the principal authority responsible for enforcing military law, investigating service-related offences and safeguarding key military installations.

Lt. Col. Galley’s elevation to command is being hailed as a major breakthrough in gender mainstreaming within the Armed Forces, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to merit-driven leadership and equal opportunity across Ghana’s defence architecture.

Her appointment not only breaks a long-standing barrier but also signals a new chapter for the Ghana Military Police—one anchored in professionalism, inclusivity and operational excellence.