In a landmark moment for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the Ghana Military Police (GMP) officially ushered in a new era on Thursday, January 15, 2026, as Lieutenant Colonel Jacqueline Dela Galley assumed command, becoming the first woman to lead the elite unit.
The transfer of authority, held at the GMP Headquarters, was marked by deep-seated military traditions and a symbolic handing over of the unit’s Badger Dog—the traditional mascot representing security, vigilance, and authority—from the outgoing Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Percy Odartey Lamptey, to his successor.
The ceremony served as a reflection on a period of significant modernisation under the leadership of Lt. Col. Lamptey.
In his farewell address to the troops, the outgoing commander highlighted a robust list of infrastructural improvements aimed at boosting personnel morale and operational efficiency within Duala Barracks.
Under Lamptey’s tenure, the unit saw:
- Structural Renovation: Overhaul of office blocks and the unit guardroom.
- Logistics Support: Expansion of guardroom facilities and the re-roofing of specialised vehicle and motorbike sheds.
- Utility Upgrades: Installation of a dedicated transformer at the Military Police quarters to ensure consistent power for the high-security zone.
Lt. Col. Lamptey, who has been reassigned as the Deputy Director of Inspection and Monitoring at the Inspector General Department (General Headquarters), expressed deep gratitude to the Provost Marshals and the rank and file for their “exemplary leadership and support”.
The Guest of Honour, Brigadier General Albert Assiamah, Deputy General Officer Commanding the Support Services Command, described Lt. Col. Galley’s appointment as not just historic but “well-deserved”.
He emphasised that her leadership comes at a time when the GMP’s role is more critical than ever in supporting the Military High Command to maintain discipline and high morale across the various services of the GAF.
“The Ghana Military Police has consistently delivered on its core mandate of supporting the Military High Command to maintain discipline and morale within the ranks and files of the Ghana Armed Forces,” Brig. Gen. Assiamah noted, commending the unit’s strong footprint in internal security and international peacekeeping operations.
As the GAF continues to evolve to meet contemporary security threats, the GMP remains the primary agency for maintaining law and order within the military, investigating service-related offences, and providing security for high-profile military installations.
Lt. Col. Galley’s ascension to the helm is seen as a major stride in the GAF’s broader commitment to gender mainstreaming and ensuring that merit-based appointments lead the nation’s defence institutions.
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