The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, has successfully retired after an impressive 39 years of dedicated service in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
Before he was appointed CDS, General Oppong-Peprah served as the Director of Strategic Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Department, General Headquarters.
He also held the positions of Director of Operations and Plans at the Defence Industries Department, as well as Director of Army Training and Director of Army Peacekeeping Operations.
At a pulling-out ceremony held yesterday at the Burma Camp in Accra, to transfer authority to the incoming CDS, Major General William Agyapong, a farewell parade was organised in honour of the outgoing CDS.
It brought together all heads of the security service including the currently appointed Inspector General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Chief Fire Officer,
Mawusi Ntow-Sapong and the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Mr Samuel Basintale Amadu to grace the occasion.
Friends, family, staff of the GAF and the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, who was the guest speaker, saw the outgoing CDS being pulled out in an armoured car on the streets of Burma Camp to demonstrate his end of service.
In his speech, General Oppong-Peprah said that throughout his position as the CDS, the service had faced numerous tests, but due to their resolve and resilience, they consistently emerged stronger and more united.
“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 performances in the recent general election were exemplary, showcasing our commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
He mentioned that the Ghana ArmeForces, under his leadership, had witnessed significant achievements, notable among them the appointment of the first female as head of mission and force commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force under the acquisition of the largest ship.
General Thomas Oppong-Peprah mentioned the granting of a presidential charter to the National Defense University, allowing it to become autonomous and award diplomas and degrees as many achievements seen under his leadership.
“I am therefore grateful to the governments of the United States of America, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, China, Austria, South Africa, and Nigeria.
“Egypt, India, Canada, Brazil, Kenya, Rwanda and the European Union, just to mention a few of the various forms of assistance rendered to the Ghana Armed Forces during my tenure,” he said.
He urged the incoming CDS to strengthen the partnerships and collaborations to improve the intelligence of the Service for the betterment of the country.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
