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General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has officially retired after 39 years of dedicated and distinguished service in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). His retirement was marked by a symbolic pulling-out ceremony at Burma Camp in Accra, during which he handed over command to Major General William Agyapong, the newly appointed CDS.
Before serving as CDS, General Oppong-Peprah held several key roles, including Director of Strategic Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Department of General Headquarters, Director of Army Training, Director of Army Peacekeeping Operations, and Director of Operations and Plans in the Defence Industries Department.
The pulling-out ceremony drew high-profile attendees, including leaders from various security services such as the new Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, and Chief Fire Officer Patience Baffoe-Bonnie.
In his farewell address, General Oppong-Peprah reflected on the challenges and achievements of his tenure. He highlighted the resilience and unity of the Ghana Armed Forces, which, despite facing complex security landscapes at both national and regional levels, successfully strengthened its capabilities and partnerships to ensure national safety and security.
“We have navigated complex security landscapes, both domestically and regionally. We have worked tirelessly to enhance our capabilities, strengthen our partnerships, and ensure the safety and security of our citizens. Our performance during the recent general election was exemplary, showcasing our commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” he noted.
Among the notable milestones achieved under his leadership was the appointment of the first female Force Commander and Head of Mission of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. Additionally, the acquisition of the largest ship in the history of the Ghana Armed Forces stood out as a significant achievement.
General Oppong-Peprah also highlighted the establishment of the National Defence University’s presidential charter, which granted the institution autonomy to confer degrees and diplomas, as a key accomplishment of his leadership.
In his closing remarks, he expressed gratitude to the governments of various countries, including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, China, Denmark, and South Africa, for their support to the Ghana Armed Forces during his tenure. He also acknowledged assistance from Egypt, India, Canada, Brazil, Kenya, Rwanda, and the European Union.
As he steps down from his role, General Oppong-Peprah leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and modernization in the Ghana Armed Forces. His successor, Major General William Agyapong, will now take up the mantle to continue strengthening the GAF’s operational readiness and strategic direction.
Source:Omanghana.com
