- General Oppong-Peprah retired after 38 years
- He held top military roles and enhanced national security
- He urged support for the new CDS
After 38 years of devoted service to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the nation, General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), has officially retired from the military.
In keeping with military tradition, the GAF held a farewell parade and pull-out ceremony at Burma Camp in Accra to honor him.
Arriving in full ceremonial military attire, the outgoing CDS appeared jubilant as he was welcomed to the parade grounds by senior military officers, both active and retired, along with leaders of various security agencies, government representatives, colleagues, family members, and well-wishers.
The Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, were also present.
After receiving the general salute and inspecting the parade, General Oppong-Peprah was presented with gifts from the military command, security agencies, and other organizations in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the GAF and national security.
As part of the formal handover, he passed the command baton to Major General William Agyapong, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership.
The event concluded with a symbolic pull-out ceremony, marking the official end of his military career.
General Oppong-Peprah’s distinguished military journey began at the Ghana Military Academy in 1984, where he graduated as the Best Officer Cadet in 1986. He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps and went on to receive advanced military training at prestigious institutions such as the US Army War College, the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, and the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
He holds 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, General Oppong-Peprah held several key command and staff positions, including 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 served as Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters before being appointed Chief of the Army Staff in 2020.
In addition to his military service, General Oppong-Peprah played a significant role in national security as Coordinator of State Transport Security and was a board member of the National Disaster Management Organisation. He also contributed to international peacekeeping under UN missions in Rwanda, Libya, Chad, Western Sahara, and Lebanon. On February 1, 2024, he was appointed Chief of the Defence Staff.
Reflecting on his tenure, General Oppong-Peprah expressed pride in his leadership, describing it as a period of growth and unwavering commitment to national security.
“We navigated complex security challenges both domestically and regionally, working relentlessly to enhance our capabilities, strengthen partnerships, and safeguard the well-being of our citizens,” he said.
He praised the GAF’s exemplary performance during the recent general election, highlighting the military’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Among his notable achievements, General Oppong-Peprah emphasized the expansion of the GAF through the establishment of new units and formations, along with significant infrastructure development to address emerging security threats.
“To all officers, soldiers, and Defence Civilian Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, I salute you for your loyalty, professionalism, and steadfast support. There were challenging moments, but your dedication and commitment kept me focused and determined to improve your welfare. God bless you all,” he added.
General Oppong-Peprah expressed confidence that under the leadership of the new CDS, the 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’s about safeguarding the future of our nation,” he concluded.
