Defence Minister updates Parliament on why several 2-Star generals in Ghana Armed Forces have been retired
The Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah on Wednesday provided an update to Parliament on 15 Major Generals in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and matters relating to their retirement.
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Appearing before Parliament on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, to respond to a question from the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour on a suggestion that the entire group of two-star generals in the Armed Forces had been summarily removed from office, Dr Omane Boamah described the claim as arising from a misinterpretation.
He clarified that there had been no mass termination. According to him, eight Major Generals are currently on terminal leave ahead of compulsory retirement, while four others, aged between 60 and 62, are being released before reaching the retirement age of 63.
He said this arrangement is in line with long-established practices within the military.
He also mentioned that Major General Irvin Nii-Ayittey Aryeetey, one of the officers due for retirement, has been nominated for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General to allow him to compete for the position of Military Adviser at the United Nations Department of Peace Operations in New York.
He said this reflects Ghana’s continued role in international peacekeeping and the recognition of individual merit within the Armed Forces.
Dr Boamah provided further updates on the current postings of senior officers. He noted that Major General Robert Affram serves as Deputy Force Commander with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
At the same time, Major General Anita Asmah is the Force Commander for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). Air Vice Marshal Felix Asante is now the Acting President of Ghana’s National Defence University.
The Minister said the decisions were in line with long-standing precedents.
He cited past examples, including 2001, when six Major Generals and four Lieutenant Generals were released following a change in government, even though many were below retirement age. In 2005, all seven Major Generals in service at the time were released regardless of age.
A similar process took place in 2009, when six Major Generals were retired and a Brigadier General was promoted to Chief of Defence Staff.
Dr Boamah said these examples show that such transitions are part of the GAF’s history and are aimed at maintaining institutional continuity.
He added that the current government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is upholding these same principles by maintaining professionalism and observing military procedures.
He called on Members of Parliament and the public to avoid politicising developments within the Armed Forces.
“There has been no purge,” he said. “The Ghana Armed Forces continues to operate based on established practices and not political considerations.”
His remarks are expected to address the growing speculation, particularly among retired and serving officers, about recent changes in top military positions.
