In a significant move to bolster Ghana’s security framework, President John Dramani Mahama has announced the appointment of new heads for three critical security institutions.
The newly appointed officials, all seasoned professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields, are expected to bring fresh leadership to their roles as the country navigates evolving security challenges.
The appointees include Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.) as the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong as the Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, and DCI Samuel Basintale Amadu as the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service.
This decision, formally communicated by Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, is in line with the administration’s commitment to enhancing institutional efficiency and professionalism in Ghana’s security services.
Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.)
Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, a distinguished legal expert and seasoned corrections professional, succeeded Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir and became the first woman to occupy this esteemed position in Ghana’s history.
With a career spanning over 36 years, Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie brings a wealth of expertise in prison administration, law, and social justice.
Her tenure in the Prisons Service has seen her occupy various strategic roles, including Deputy Director-General of Prisons (Administration), Director of Technical and Services, and Director of Prisons in charge of Services.
Notably, as the first Director of Health, she spearheaded efforts to establish a robust and sustainable healthcare system within Ghana’s prison facilities, ensuring a zero COVID-19 infection rate among inmates during the peak of the pandemic—a remarkable feat in correctional health management.
Her previous command roles include Officer in Charge of James Camp Prisons, Greater Accra Regional Commander, Chief Legal Officer, Welfare Officer, and Adjutant at the Prisons Officers’ Training School.
She has also worked in various prison facilities across the country, including James Fort Female, Senior Correctional Centre, Kumasi Female, and Sekondi Female Prisons.
On the international front, she served with the United Nations Mission in Liberia as a planner, mentor, and advisor.
An accomplished scholar, she holds a Postgraduate Law Degree Certificate from the Ghana Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Sociology from the University of Ghana.
She is also an advocate for human rights, gender equality, and the welfare of vulnerable groups, including prisoners. Her appointment is expected to reinforce ongoing reforms aimed at improving prison conditions and rehabilitative services for inmates.
DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong
DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, appointed as Chief Fire Officer, takes over from CFO Julius A. Kuunuor.
With extensive experience in fire safety and emergency response, her appointment is anticipated to usher in new policies that will modernize Ghana’s fire service operations.
Before this elevation, DCFO Ntow Sarpong served as the Director of Fire Safety, where she played a pivotal role in implementing proactive fire prevention measures nationwide.
Her work focused on community education, regulatory enforcement, and enhancing emergency response capabilities.
With urbanization and industrial expansion increasing fire risks, her leadership will be crucial in strengthening fire safety awareness, enforcing building regulations, and equipping fire personnel with advanced firefighting technologies.
Her appointment aligns with the government’s broader vision to modernize the Ghana National Fire Service, ensuring it is adequately resourced to handle contemporary fire-related emergencies effectively.
DCI Samuel Basintale Amadu
DCI Samuel Basintale Amadu, who has been named as the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), is taking over from Kwame Asuah Takyi.
Prior to his new role, he served as Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, where he was actively involved in formulating policies to manage Ghana’s borders and immigration procedures efficiently.
DCI Amadu holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Affairs and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, both from the University of Ghana.
His academic background, coupled with his vast experience in immigration management, uniquely positions him to handle the pressing challenges of border security, migration control, and the implementation of technology-driven immigration policies.
His appointment comes at a time when Ghana faces increasing migration challenges, cross-border security threats, and the need for improved visa and permit processing systems.
Under his leadership, the GIS is expected to enhance border surveillance, improve international collaboration on immigration matters, and streamline travel documentation processes to bolster national security.
The appointment of these distinguished professionals is seen as a strategic move by President Mahama to strengthen Ghana’s security and emergency response institutions.
Given their wealth of experience, each of the appointees is expected to bring progressive reforms, policy innovation, and enhanced operational efficiency to their respective agencies.
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