Lieutenant Colonel Jacqueline Dela Galley has become the first woman to command the Ghana Military Police Unit, marking a milestone in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Lt. Col. Galley said her appointment, announced at the beginning of the year, came as a surprise.

“I was very happy. I was very excited because I was not really expecting it,” she said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, describing it as “a very nice New Year package.”

She said her family was equally delighted, particularly as the appointment coincided with her recent completion of a Master of Philosophy degree in Human Rights, Conflict and Peace Studies.

Lt. Col. Galley said her rise reflected years of deliberate gender mainstreaming within the GAF, supported by international frameworks and initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women in uniform.

She said her journey into the military was unplanned, explaining that her interest was sparked while studying at the University of Ghana, Legon.

“I did not really know anything about the military, but I was privileged to be in the same class with some service persons. I liked the way they carried themselves. They were more disciplined… very focused, and that motivated me,” she said.

She said she applied after national service, completed the required training and was commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces on September 7, 2008. 

Lt. Col. Galley said she became the first female officer to be posted directly to the Military Police Unit from the academy, a decision facilitated by the then Commanding Officer of the Ghana Military Academy, Brigadier General Ishmael Ben Quartey. 

“I told him later that he made the history,” she said. “His decision 19 years ago is manifesting today.” 

Lt. Col. Galley said her early years in the Military Police involved administrative duties and investigations, including serving as a provost officer with the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire and commanding detachments across the country. 

“Every course I went to shaped me. My principle is to come up with something. I don’t just go and sit there,” she said. 

Lt. Col. Galley said she had balanced her career with family life and is married to Colonel Dominic Buah, with whom she has four sons. 

“It didn’t disturb my work,” she said. “If you are supposed to produce something by 10 o’clock, it should be there.” 

She said her husband’s understanding of military life had been critical to managing her responsibilities. 

“He understands the system. He knows I must be there,” she said. 

Lt. Col. Galley rejected suggestions of tokenism, saying female officers who rose to leadership positions did so on merit. 

“Women who get to the top merit it. They are qualified. They are experienced. Command has confidence in them,” she said. 

Lt. Col. Galley said gender mainstreaming had allowed women to demonstrate their capabilities. 

“When women were allowed to come out of their shells, they start doing wonders,” she said. 

Lt. Col. Galley advised young female officers to remain focused and committed to their oath of service. 

“It was not a joke when you were taking that oath… That is why me, if you say, go here, I’m going,” she said. 

On her priorities as Commander of the Military Police, Lt. Col. Galley said her focus would be on discipline within the Armed Forces. 

“My immediate priority will be tailored towards my role. And that is enforcing discipline in the Ghana Armed Forces,” she said. 

Lt. Col. Galley said all military deployments included briefings on human rights and rules of engagement, adding that violations were treated as individual misconduct. 

“Anyone who goes contrary to that is dealt with,” she said. 

Lt. Col. Galley said enforcing discipline could be unpopular but was necessary. 

“If you are meticulously enforcing the law, you won’t have friends. Some people will call you wicked. But once you know you’ve done the right thing, you shouldn’t be bothered,” she said. 

Lt. Col. Galley said relations with other security agencies remained cordial and cooperative. 

“We are all doing the same thing – ensuring the security of the state,” she said. 

Reflecting on her appointment, Lt. Col. Galley said it reinforced the importance of integrity. 

“This appointment has made me realise that whatever you do, you are being watched. It’s good to do the right thing, even when nobody is watching,” she said. 

Lt. Col. Galley encouraged young Ghanaians to pursue their ambitions but remain resilient. 

“Pursue your dream… But if you don’t get the opportunity, it doesn’t mean you are not good,” she said. -GNA 

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