General Oppong-Peprah
Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, has marked the end of his illustrious 38 years of military service with a colourful pulling-out ceremony, held at the forecourt of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) headquarters in Accra.
This event follows the appointment of Brigadier General William Agyapong as the new Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces by President John Mahama, which marks 14 months after his appointment by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
General Oppong-Peprah’s remarkable career spans various leadership roles, including Chief of Army Staff, General Officer Commanding of Southern Command, and Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters.
Reflecting on his journey, General Oppong-Peprah expressed profound gratitude to former President Akufo-Addo and President John Dramani Mahama for entrusting him with the nation’s highest military office marked by resilience and dedication, navigating complex security challenges while ensuring the safety of the nation.
Highlighting his major notable achievements, he mentioned that his tenure witnessed the appointment of the first female Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, the acquisition of the largest ship in Ghana’s naval history, and the granting of a presidential charter to the International Defence University, making it autonomous and capable of awarding diplomas and degrees.
General Oppong-Peprah further indicated that under his leadership, the Armed Forces saw infrastructural growth, the establishment of new units, and strengthened international partnerships, stating that countries like the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and many others stood by Ghana, contributing to the nation’s military development.
“The professionalism and loyalty of the past Defence Staff, service chiefs, officers, soldiers, and civilian staff pushed me to strive for greater heights even in difficult times. I reserved special gratitude for those who worked behind the scenes — from the protocol officer to the office cleaner,” he said.
As he passed the torch to his successor, Brigadier General William Agyapong, General Oppong-Peprah urged the Armed Forces to uphold integrity and discipline, reminding them that their duty extended beyond defense — they were guardians of peace and democracy.
“There will be a thousand and one reasons why it cannot be done. But there will always be one reason why it must be done. Find that reason,” he stated.
Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, commended General Oppong-Peprah for his service and leadership, highlighting his contributions to military modernisation and national security.
The handover ceremony parade featured 98 troops from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. During the ceremony, the Ministry of Defence, GAF officers, personnel, and civilian staff, along with the GAF Command and Staff College and allied security agencies, presented citations and gifts to General Oppong-Peprah in recognition of his leadership.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke