For more than two decades, Superintendent Mrs Olivia Turkson, Esq., has dedicated her life to public service, embodying discipline, resilience, and a passion for community impact.
Currently serving as the Odorkor Division Commander, she is no stranger to responsibility. Her journey in the Ghana Police Service spans over 20 years, during which she has worn many hats, from public relations officer to international peacekeeper, all while upholding the values of professionalism and integrity.
Her career took an exciting turn in 2007 when the African Union conducted a recruitment test. Mrs Turkson passed with flying colours, earning the opportunity to serve beyond Ghana’s borders.
She was deployed to Sudan as a police advisor, a role that required not just enforcement skills but a deep understanding of human rights and conflict sensitivity. Her primary focus was on gender-related cases, where she worked with her team to gather and analyse information, identify root causes, and develop solutions that could make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable groups.
In 2017, her expertise earned her another international appointment, this time as a United Nations Public Information Officer. In this role, she was not just a spokesperson but also a bridge between communities and peacekeeping missions.
She later served as a reform and restructuring coordinator, spearheading changes in her sector to improve efficiency, transparency, and community engagement. Her leadership was marked by an ability to blend diplomacy with action, ensuring reforms were both practical and sustainable.
Beyond policy and enforcement, Mrs Turkson has a deep commitment to education and community development. In her work abroad, she and her colleagues often identified children in need of mentorship and learning opportunities. But before any outreach could happen, she learnt the importance of respecting cultural structures.
Permission had to be sought from elders and traditional leaders, a process that, in her view, was just as important as the teaching itself. This approach not only gained trust but also ensured lasting partnerships with local communities.
Her experiences on international missions shaped her philosophy on policing and public service. She believes that true security is not just about law enforcement but also about creating conditions where people, especially women and children, can thrive. Whether in Ghana or abroad, she has championed collaborative approaches that involve community leaders, government agencies, and civil society working hand-in-hand toward common goals.
Today, as Odorkor Division Commander, Superintendent Mrs Olivia Turkson Esq. continues to lead with the same energy and dedication that have defined her career. Her story is a testament to the power of service, the value of cultural sensitivity, and the impact of leadership that listens as much as it acts. From the streets of Accra to the villages of Sudan, she has proven that policing, at its best, is about people protecting them, understanding them, and empowering them to shape their own futures.
She encouraged all women to be time conscious, determined and also willing to learn in order to get the future you want.
Story by Diana Ama Zikpi/Max TV/max.com.gh
