The Savannah Regional Police Commander, COP Samuel Alfred Winful, bid farewell to his illustrious 29-year career with a ceremony held at the Regional Police Headquarters in Damongo. The event was a testament to COP Winful’s remarkable contributions to law enforcement in Ghana and the impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals.
As COP Winful took his final bow, the gathering of top-ranking officers, regional commanders, traditional leaders, political figures, and community members paid tribute to his unwavering dedication, principled leadership, and absolute commitment to justice. His career, spanning nearly three decades, has been a beacon of hope and security for the people of Ghana.
COP Winful’s journey began on May 15, 1996, when he joined the Ghana Police Service. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, earning a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to justice and public safety. COP Winful became a Deputy Commissioner of Police on September 1, 2020, and later to Commissioner of Police on November 1, 2024.
Throughout his career, COP Winful served in various capacities across the country, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he served. His contributions to the Ghana Police Service have been significant, including the digitalization of the payroll system, establishment of a human resource database, and introduction of a case tracking system for the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). These initiatives have not only improved the efficiency of the police service but also enhanced its ability to deliver justice and maintain peace.
DCOP Joseph Gyamera Oklu, speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police and the Police Management Board (POMAB), aptly put it, “COP Winful’s career is a shining example of unwavering dedication, principled leadership, and absolute commitment to justice.” The retiring commander’s leadership style has been characterized as firm yet compassionate, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the communities he served.
The Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Abi-Awurbi, paid glowing tribute to COP Winful, saying, “COP Winful is a commander retiring, but not tired… His legacy will be remembered not only in Damongo but across Bole, Daboya, Buipe, and other areas where peace was maintained under his leadership.” These words captured the essence of COP Winful’s impact on the region and the lives of the people.
In his farewell speech, COP Winful expressed his profound gratitude to the Police Administration, his colleagues, the Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC), traditional leaders, religious bodies, and his family for their support throughout his career. He extended special thanks to the Overlord of Gonjaland, the Regional Minister, Immediate past Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Saeed Muhazu Jibril and some Members of Parliament in the Savannah Region, acknowledging the crucial role they played in his success.
The ceremony witnessed the presentation of gifts and a parade by officers in honor of the retiring commander COP Winful as a fitting tribute to his remarkable career. The event was attended by several senior officers from the Ghana Police Service, including COP Peter Baba Atiniak, DCOP Sebastian Atsu Wemegah, DCOP Prince Gabriel Waabu, DCOP Eric Ken Winful, and DCOP Arhin Kwasi Annor, among others.
