Ghana Armed Forces bids farewell to General Oppong-Peprah

After 38 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the nation, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, has retired from the military.

In keeping with military tradition, the GAF honoured him with a farewell parade and pull-out ceremony at Burma Camp in Accra yesterday.

Dressed in full military ceremonial attire, the outgoing CDS appeared elated upon arrival at the parade grounds where he was received by senior military officers, both serving and retired, along with leaders of various security agencies, government officials, his colleagues from the military training, schoolmates, family, friends and well-wishers.

The Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and members of the diplomatic corps were also in attendance.

After taking the general salute and inspecting the parade, General Oppong-Peprah was presented with gifts from the military command, security agencies and other organisations in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the GAF and the nation’s security architecture.

As part of the formal handover, General Oppong-Peprah officially passed the command baton to Major General William Agyapong, signifying a smooth transfer of authority.

The event concluded with a pull-out ceremony, a symbolic tradition marking the retirement of high-ranking officers.

Profile

General Thomas Oppong-Peprah’s distinguished military career began at the Ghana Military Academy in 1984, where he graduated as the Best Officer Cadet in 1986.

Commissioned into the Armoured Corps, he pursued extensive military training at prestigious institutions, including the US Army War College, the Royal College of Defence Studies in London and the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, earning some top honours.

He also holds advanced academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree in International Security and Strategy from King’s College, London, and an Executive MBA from the University of Ghana.

Throughout his career, he held key command and staff positions. It included Commanding Officer of the 64 Infantry Regiment and the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment; Director of Strategic Intelligence; Director of Operations and Plans; Chief Staff Officer at Army Headquarters, and General Officer Commanding the Southern Command.

He later became Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters before his appointment as Chief of the Army Staff in 2020.

Beyond his military service, he played vital roles in national security, serving as Coordinator of State Transport Security and a board member of the National Disaster Management Organisation. 

He also contributed to international peacekeeping through UN missions in Rwanda, Libya, Chad, Western Sahara and Lebanon.

On February 1, 2024, he was appointed Chief of the Defence Staff.

Gratitude

General Oppong-Peprah said his journey as Chief of the Defence Staff was marked by both challenges and growth, defined by unwavering dedication to national security and well-being.

“We have navigated complex security landscapes both domestically and regionally, working tirelessly to enhance our capabilities, strengthened partnerships and ensured the safety of our citizens.

“Our performance in the recent general election was exemplary, demonstrating our firm commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

Together with the other service chiefs, Gen. Oppong-Peprah said the GAF expanded through the establishment of new units and formations, supported by massive infrastructure development to meet the evolving threat dynamics in the region.

“To all officers, soldiers, and Defence Civilian Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, I salute you for your loyalty, professionalism and unwavering support.

“There were difficult moments, but I drew strength from your dedication and commitment.

You inspired me to remain focused and determined to improve your welfare. God bless you all,” he said.

He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the new CDS, GAF would continue to thrive.

“I urge you all to give him your full support by upholding the highest standards of integrity and discipline.

“Remember, our role extends beyond defence, it is about safeguarding the future of our nation,” General Oppong-Peprah added.