Chief Superintendent Rev. Emelia Quist has been inducted as Chaplain of the Ghana Police Church 37, Accra, becoming the first woman to lead the church since its establishment in 1964.
The induction ceremony brought together the clergy, senior police officers, representatives of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, where she started as an ordained minister of the Gospel, family members and other guests to witness the historic occasion.
The Chairperson of the Ga Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Col. David Adoteye-Asare, who delivered the charge at the induction ceremony last Friday, described the appointment as a significant responsibility requiring commitment to both police service and Christian ministry.
He urged the newly inducted chaplain to uphold loyalty, discipline, integrity and excellence, stressing the importance of exemplary conduct in the discharge of her duties.
Double commission, consecration
Rev. Col. Adoteye-Asare, who inducted her, said Chief Supt Quist had been commissioned twice, first as a police officer and subsequently as a minister of the Gospel, and consecrated for service in both capacities.
The Ga Presbytery Chairperson explained the significance of commissioning and consecration.
He said commissioning meant being granted authority to perform specific duties, while consecration meant being set apart for a special purpose.
Drawing on 2 Timothy 2:4, he emphasised that a soldier must remain focused on pleasing the commanding officer, using the scripture to highlight the seriousness of purpose and loyalty.
He described the military salute as a symbol of loyalty and trust between officers and their superiors, adding that the relationship required commitment from both sides.
Rev. Col. Adoteye-Asare urged the inductee to become a model officer and a benchmark of excellence, stressing that a chaplain must be trustworthy and serve as the eyes and ears of the commander.
Sharing experiences from his military chaplaincy, he recounted how soldiers approached him with personal and family challenges, emphasising the importance of confidentiality, trust and pastoral care.
In her response, Rev. Quist expressed gratitude to God for sustaining her through more than three decades of police service, leadership, theological formation and pastoral ministry.
She said her experience in the Ghana Police Service had taught her discipline, courage and accountability, while the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, where she started as a Minister of the Gospel, had shaped her understanding of leadership through love, humility and excellent service.
She expressed the hope that her appointment as the first female chaplain of the church would inspire more women to respond to God’s call to ministry, adding that God’s calling was not limited by gender.
Rev. Quist pledged to preach Christ faithfully, uphold the Word of God, lead with integrity and provide compassionate pastoral care.
She also committed to strengthening the church’s interdenominational fellowship, nurturing young people and supporting families.
Chief Supt Quist thanked the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for sponsoring her theological education and acknowledged the support of her family, mentors, police colleagues and ministry partners, including the Great Commission Movement of Ghana.
She appealed for prayers and support as she assumed the responsibility, saying she was committed to listening, learning and working faithfully.
Rev. Quist expressed the hope that she would remain loyal to God and fulfil her calling throughout her season of service.
