The Ghana Police Church has made history by inducting Chief Superintendent of Police Reverend Mrs Emelia Quist as its first female chaplain since its founding in 1964. The induction ceremony took place on October 31, 2026, at the Accra Police Church. This milestone marks the end of 62 years of male leadership at the chaplaincy. Chief Supt Rev. Mrs Quist was appointed in August 2022, jointly by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the Police Administration.
Chief Supt Rev. Mrs Quist has been a member of the Ghana Police Service for 30 years. As the new chaplain, she will provide spiritual guidance, confidential counselling, prayer support, and pastoral care to serving police officers, civilian personnel, and their families. Her role will also involve biblical mentoring, youth empowerment, and relational discipleship across the policing and faith community. The induction ceremony was conducted by Reverend Colonel David Adotey Asare, Chairperson of the Ga Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
Reverend Colonel Asare charged Chief Supt Rev. Mrs Quist to blend her pastoral calling with police discipline and professional excellence. He advised her to remain focused in the face of any resistance and to earn the trust of officers through strict confidentiality, guidance, and dedicated service. Chief Supt Rev. Mrs Quist responded by saying God's calling is not restricted by gender and urged congregations to support women in public and institutional chaplaincy.
Chief Supt Rev. Mrs Quist is an ordained Presbyterian Church of Ghana minister with various postings, including Adabraka Official Town Congregation and Bethel Congregation in the Sakaman District. She has also worked as Associate Minister at the Emmanuel Congregation in Dansoman. Her qualifications include a Diploma in Business Studies, a Bachelor of Management Studies, a Master of Divinity, and an MBA in Human Resource Management.
The induction ceremony was attended by members of the Police Management Board, retired Inspectors-General of Police, clergy, and her husband, retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Isaac Quist. Chief Supt Rev. Mrs Quist's policing and pastoral career have also included participation in international peacekeeping conferences. Her appointment as chaplain marks a significant milestone in her career and a breakthrough for women in the Ghana Police Service.
Chief Supt Rev. Mrs Quist pledged to use her office to encourage more women to answer the call into ordained ministry. She emphasized that the church belongs to Christ Jesus rather than any individual and that her 30 years of discipline, courage, and accountability in the Ghana Police Service, paired with her training in the Presbyterian Church, had prepared her for the assignment.
The Ghana Police Church's decision to induct Chief Supt Rev. Mrs Quist as its first female chaplain is seen as a significant step towards inclusivity and diversity in the institution. Her appointment is expected to inspire more women to take up leadership roles in the church and the police service.
Key points
- Chief Supt Rev. Mrs Emelia Quist is the first female chaplain of the Ghana Police Church in 62 years.
- She was inducted into the role on October 31, 2026, after being appointed in August 2022.
- Chief Supt Rev. Mrs Quist has 30 years of experience in the Ghana Police Service and is an ordained Presbyterian Church of Ghana minister.
