Various stakeholders have commended the service of Commissioner of Police (COP) Samuel Alfred Winful, the recently retired Savannah Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service. They have recognized him for his extensive knowledge, wisdom, and professional integrity, saying he is “retiring but not tired.”
A farewell ceremony was held in Damongo, Savannah Region, where several dignitaries, including traditional chiefs, security heads, religious leaders, politicians, and locals, assembled to honour COP Winful for his nearly 30 years of dedicated service.
The Savannah Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Salisu Be-Awuribe, lauded the retiring commissioner for his exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to standard policing. He also commended COP Winful’s calm and humane approach even in the face of pressure and provocation, urging younger officers to emulate his professional conduct.
COP Samuel Alfred Winful served as the third Regional Commander of the Savannah Region, following COP Adetwum and DCOP Peter Baba. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Joseph Gyamera Oklu, representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Police Management Board (POMAB), applauded COP Winful’s significant contributions to modern policing.
These contributions encompassed the establishment of a digital platform for the police payroll system, the introduction of a case-tracking mechanism within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), strengthening community-police partnerships, and promoting and practising compassionate, yet firm law enforcement.
Journalists and residents also praised COP Winful for his crowd control expertise and open-door policy. Many recalled his crucial role during the tense moments of the 2024 General Elections in Damongo, where his leadership helped quell unrest following the deaths of two individuals and the destruction of Electoral Commission property.
COP Winful officially retired after 29 years of active service in a ceremony attended by officers from sister security agencies, including the military, Immigration, and Fire Service. Several notable police officers were present at the ceremony, including DCOP Arhin Kwasi Annor – Director General, Special Duties, DCOP Sebastian Atsu Wemega – Director General, ICT, and DCOP Eric Zken Winful – Director General, NAPD.
As one speaker noted, “COP Winful may have hung up his uniform, but his legacy and impact will continue to guide the next generation of Ghana’s police force.”
