The Ghana Police Church, 37-Accra, has inducted Chief Superintendent Reverend Emelia Quist as its substantive Chaplain, making her the first woman to lead the Church since its establishment in 1964.

The colourful induction ceremony was marked by a deep sense of faith, gratitude, and history.

In her acceptance speech, Rev. Quist described her appointment as a sacred trust rather than just an office.

“And a deep sense of responsibility. I receive this charge not merely as an appointment, but as a sacred trust to shepherd God’s people and serve His church. I thank Almighty God, whose grace has sustained me through more than three decades of police service, leadership, theological formation, and pastoral ministry. Truly, when God calls, He equips. When He sends, He also sustains. May God’s holy name be praised forever and ever, Amen,” she said.

Reflecting on her historic feat, Rev. Quist acknowledged the weight of the moment and her hope to inspire other women.

“As the first woman to lead the Ghana Police Church, 37 Accra since its establishment in 1964, I am conscious that I walk a path no woman has walked before in this ministry. I pray that my journey will inspire more women to say yes to Jesus Christ, and show that God’s calling is not limited by gender, but fulfilled through faith, obedience, and enabling grace,” she stated.

She noted that her over 30 years in the Ghana Police Service taught her discipline, courage and accountability, while the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, her mother church, taught her that true leadership is expressed through love, humility and excellent service. “The uniform I wear reminds me of my duty to serve. The gospel directs me in how to serve, and I know the Holy Spirit will empower me to do this to bring glory to Jesus Christ, my Redeemer,” she added.

Rev. Quist committed to faithful service, pledging to preach Christ faithfully, uphold His word, live with integrity and provide compassionate pastoral care together with the assistant chaplains, elders, staff and the entire congregation. “I will strengthen our interdenominational fellowship, nurture our young people, support families, and advance the mission of our Master Jesus Christ,” she assured.

She expressed profound gratitude to the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, who she said facilitated her entry into the theological seminary and officiated her marriage, for being present to witness her induction as the third female chaplain.

She also thanked the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who was absent due to an international conference outside the jurisdiction.

Calling for prayer support, Rev. Quist admitted that leading as a woman comes with cultural challenges.

“Today, I embrace three commitments: Called by God, consecrated for His service, and commissioned to fulfill His mission with excellence. Please support me in prayers. I am charting a path no female has gone before, and in our culture as Ghanaians and Africans, not everybody is willing to accept the leadership of a woman, but I know the one who has called me is faithful, and He made both female and male. So I pray for such people to receive grace from God and accept the leadership of all women, including me,” she said.

“So I need your prayer support. Please pray for me. That’s the only thing I’m requesting. And I also assure you that I’ll pray just as I’ve been doing. I come to listen. I come to learn. I come to work, and above all, I come to serve faithfully, knowing that the church belongs not to the chaplain, but to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master, whom one day all of us will stand to give an account of our stewardship. May He help us, especially help me, to serve faithfully and remain loyal to Him,” she added.

She acknowledged her ministry partners, including the Great Commission Movement of Ghana represented by its Country Director, Rev. Kumi, and her personal prayer partners, including Rev. Frankie from Accra Ridge Church.

“I pray that when the Lord asks whom shall I send, may my answer always be, Here I am. Send me, Lord. May God bless the Ghana Police Church, Accra, the Ghana Police Service, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, all churches. May God bless our families and bless our beloved nation Ghana, and make her great and strong. To God alone be all the glory. Amen,” she concluded.

Report by Bernard K Dadzie, Greater Accra Region