History has been written once again in Ghana’s military landscape as the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) bids a fond farewell to its first Chief of Defence Staff to attain a four-star rank, General Thomas Oppong Peprah, for his distinguished service.
This significant journey commenced when young and feisty Thomas Oppong-Peprah entered the Ghana Military Academy for basic military training in 1984 and graduated in 1986 as the Best Officer Cadet in Order of Merit and was awarded the Military Cane.
He served in the capacity of Commanding Officer of both 64 Infantry Regiment (2002-2009) and then Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (2004-2005), Chief Staff Officer(2016-2017), General Officer Commanding of the Southern Command of the Ghana Army (2017-2018), Chief of Staff between January 2019 and February 2020, Chief of the Army Staff(2020-2024) until his appointment to the office of the Chief of Defence Staff by Former President Nana Akufo-Addo on February 2024 till March 2025.
This pivotal milestone marks the culmination of 41 years of dedicated service and exemplary leadership in the Armed Forces, a testament to a life devoted to the security and integrity of the nation.
A pulling out ceremony took place at a guard of honour parade on Tuesday, March 25, organized by the GAF at Burma Camp, where General Oppong-Peprah marked his final day in office and made a symbolic transfer of authority to the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major General William Agyapong.
The ceremony was a grand tradition, featuring a guard of honor parade that showcased 98 troops from the army, navy, and air force. General Oppong-Peprah inspected the troops, a final salute to the dedicated men and women he has led with distinction.
During the ceremony, heartfelt tributes flowed from the Ministry of Defence, fellow officers, and civilian staff. Citations and gifts were presented to General Oppong-Peprah, each token highlighting his immense contribution and impact on the security services.
He urged the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces to maintain professionalism and provide adequate support to the new Chief of Defence Staff, ensuring continued transformation within the military.
“I’m confident that the Ghana Armed Forces will continue to thrive under his leadership; his appointment marks a new chapter in a journey towards excellence. I therefore urge all ranks to give him the much needed support by upholding the highest standards of integrity and discipline”, he advocated.
General Oppong-Peprah highlighted the role of allied security agencies in assisting the newly appointed CDS in performing his duties with diligence and dedication.
“Our role extends beyond defence, we are guardians of peace and promoters of stability and defenders of democracy, let’s continue to prioritize capacity building with all other security agencies to address emerging threats effectively”, he noted.
In an interview with Channel One news on the sidelines of the ceremony, Retired General Oppong-Peprah expressed contentment in this pivotal milestone.
“I feel so excited that after 41 years of dedicated service to the Ghana Armed Forces, I’m about to have my freedom. Becoming a four-star general was one of my greatest highs throughout my journey and it brings me contentment”, he shared.
The event was well attended by Officials of the Ghana armed forces, all other security agencies, ministers of states, members of the international community, family, friends and loved ones.
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