GAF holds Induction Religious Parade for new military high command chiefs
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has held an Induction Religious Parade for the five newly appointed military high command chiefs appointed in March and sworn in during a ceremony in April by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.
The ceremony, held on Sunday at the Church of Pentecost, Burma Camp Worship Centre in Accra, drew a large gathering that filled the venue to capacity.
Held under the theme “You Are a Chosen Vessel of Christ.” The solemn occasion featured moments of praise and worship, highlighted by powerful song ministrations from the Armed Forces Central Band.
Thy inductees are Major General William Agyapong, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Real Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Air Vice Marshall Eric Agyen-Frempong, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) and Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai (COS).
Dignitaries
Among those present were ministers of state, members of the clergy, traditional leaders, former generals, service chiefs, as well as families and friends of the inductees.
In attendance were the Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Head of Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan, Director General of the Narcotics Control Commission, Brigadier General Maxwell Mantey, Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi and Chairman, Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence, Mr James Agalga.
The officiating clergy included Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Apostle Brigadier General B G Kumi-Woode, Pastor Col. P N Duodu, Rev. Fr. Col. F Agyeman, Rev. Fr. Lt. Col. B K Effah, Very Rev. Cdr. D B Quayson and Lt. Col N A Mohammed.
Also present were Sempe Mantse, Nii Adote Otintor II, Sempe Noryaa Manye, Naa Adoley Nmlami I, Paramount Chief of Nandom Traditional Area, Naa Professor Edmund Nwinyem Delle Chiir VIII, Aburi Pataase Tsidomhene Nana Kofi Asare Agyemang okofrubuo II and Manwerehene of Akwamufir, Nana Adu Sarkodie Afriyie II.
Government commitment
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah assured of the government's commitment to equipping the Ghana Armed Forces with the necessary tools, infrastructure, and policy support to enable them to effectively fulfill their constitutional mandate.
Dr Boamah noted that President John Dramani Mahama deeply appreciates the daily sacrifices made by the armed forces in defending the nation and its citizens. He encouraged the personnel to continue upholding the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
"As Minister for Defence, I reaffirm the government's commitment to supporting the armed forces with the tools, infrastructure, and policy direction necessary to fulfil your constitutional mandate," he assured.
"The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, His Excellency John Romani-Mahama, remains deeply appreciative of the sacrifices made daily by our gallant officers and soldiers, both at home and abroad. We encourage you to maintain the teamwork, discipline and adherence to the highest standards of professionalism," he said.
Confidence
Dr Boamah also expressed confidence in the new leadership of the GAF, assuring that they would continue to uphold the values of honour and duty. He invoked God’s guidance and protection over them in their service to the nation.
"I have every confidence that under the leadership of our Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, the Ghana Armed Forces will continue to uphold the values of honour, duty, and professionalism."
"Let us join in prayer, seeking God and Allah's guidance and protection for our armed forces, our leadership, and our great nation. May God bless our Chief of Defence Staff, Service Commanders, and all personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces, as they serve with distinction and honour," he stressed.
Congratulating the newly inducted commanders, he urged them to remain united in their efforts to achieve their shared mission, stating: “I felt very proud of what we can achieve if we work together as one people bound by a common destiny. I am confident in the competence, patriotism, and integrity of the leadership now taking the helm of our armed forces.”
He added: “Your elevation is not merely a personal achievement, but a solemn call to heightened national service,” he stated. “This induction signifies the formal commencement of a command responsibility that is both honorable and demanding. It comes at a time when our region—and the global security environment—is confronted with numerous challenges, including violent extremism, cyber threats, transnational crime, and natural disasters.”
“The fact that you have chosen to be inducted together in a single ceremony speaks volumes about the unity and camaraderie among you. I commend this spirit. With such cohesion, your leadership front will remain strong and impenetrable.”
Sermon
Preaching the sermon, the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, urged the newly appointed military leadership to embrace collaboration as key leaders of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Speaking on the topic "Called to Serve God and Country," Apostle Nyamekye emphasized that God, the Creator, values the abilities of all individuals—whether in positions of authority or subordinates.
“My intention this morning,” he said, “is to impress upon our inductees the importance of collaboration as central figures within the Ghana Armed Forces, and to encourage them to raise supporting teams that will strengthen their leadership and, by extension, the entire force.”
Referencing 1 Chronicles 11:9–10, Apostle Nyamekye noted that no leader operates in isolation. He cited the example of David, who grew more powerful because God was with him, yet still relied on his mighty warriors who gave him strong support in his reign.
“I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration and team building. I know you already have groups in place, but strengthen them so your leadership—and the Ghana Armed Forces—will remain strong and effective," he stressed.
"Working jointly to accomplish a mission is a powerful strategy to overcome the enemy. It is my prayer that everyone present this morning receives a portion of God’s blessings as we reflect on the power of unity,” he added.
Gratitude
In separate speeches, each of the five inductees expressed deep gratitude to God for the honour bestowed upon them.
They also extended their appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the trust reposed in them through their appointments to these high-ranking positions of national service.
Additionally, each inductee acknowledged the invaluable support of their spouses, families, mentors, and well-wishers—recognizing their role in the journey that had brought them this far.
They pledged to serve with dignity and professionalism, upholding their duties to both God and country with unwavering commitment.
