Stakeholders from across society have paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Savannah Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service, Commissioner of Police (COP) Samuel Alfred Winful.

They describe him as a man of immense knowledge, wisdom, and professionalism, stating, “retiring but not tired.”

At a farewell event held in Damongo, Savannah Region, high-profile dignitaries, including traditional rulers, security chiefs, religious leaders, politicians, and residents, gathered to honour COP Winful for nearly three decades of dedicated service.

Savannah Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Salisu Be-Awuribe, praised the retiring commander for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to standard policing.

“With his wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom, COP Winful is only retiring but not tired. The country will definitely need him, especially to mentor current and upcoming officers,” Mr. Be-Awuribe said.

He commended COP Winful for his calm and humane approach, even under pressure and provocation, urging younger officers to emulate his professionalism.

COP Samuel Alfred Winful served as the third Regional Commander of the Savannah Region, succeeding COP Adetwum and DCOP Peter Baba.

Representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Police Management Board (POMAB), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Joseph Gyamera Oklu lauded COP Winful’s remarkable contributions to modern policing.

These included establishing a digital platform for the police payroll system, introducing a case-tracking mechanism within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), strengthening community-police partnerships and advocating and practising compassionate, yet firm law enforcement

“Your leadership has been both firm and compassionate. Your exit marks the end of a remarkable era in Ghana’s policing history,” DCOP Oklu noted.

COP Winful was also praised by journalists and residents for his crowd control expertise and open-door policy.

Many cited his role during the tense moments of the 2024 General Elections in Damongo, where his leadership helped contain unrest following the deaths of two individuals and the vandalism of Electoral Commission property.

After 29 years of active service, COP Winful was formally pulled out in a ceremony supported by officers from sister security agencies, including the military, Immigration, and Fire Service.

Notable police officers who graced the ceremony included 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 put it, “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.”