The new Chief of Army Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has made an official introduction of himself to the Manhyia Palace following his appointment in February 2024.
Together with staff officers from Army Headquarters and Central Command Headquarters, Major General Onwona called on the King of the Asante Kingdom on March 19, 2024.
His visit to the Palace was part of his familiarisation tour across the country. Aside from introducing himself, he sought the blessings and counsel of the King for his new role.
“The President recently appointed me to the position of Chief of Army Staff. It therefore became imperative that I embark on a tour across the country to engage military officers to keep myself abreast with their conditions, upkeep and concerns. It will also enable me to align them with my objectives.”
“I am now in Kumasi and as part of my tour and I am here to seek strength through the counsel, direction and blessings of Otumfuo in carrying out the task reposed in me by the President for peace and development to take centre stage,” he added.
He further expressed appreciation to the King for his assistance to the Central Command in the administration of their duties.
“I have already been to the Central Command. His Majesty was credited for the peace witnessed within the domains of the command. I want to take this opportunity to thank Otumfuo for the help he has been giving to the military here.”
Meanwhile, he assured the occupant of the Golden Stool of the military’s assistance in providing security for both the Palace and the Ashanti Region.
Presentation
In the quest to make his visit unforgettable, Major General Onwona presented a customised Ghana Army plaque to Otumfuo
Presenting it, he said, he wanted his visit to be a memorable one.
“This is to signify that on this day the Chief of the Army Staff and his entourage paid a courtesy call on him.”
Congratulating him on his appointment, Otumfuo assured him of his daily intercession.
“We thank God for how far he has brought you. I know that all the military officers will assist you in your administration. I will support you with my prayers.”
He further counselled him to give much of his attention to the senior and junior ranks in the Armed Forces as well as uphold the democratic rule in the country.
“We trust our military have the training they need and won’t replicate the unconstitutional changes in government witnessed in West Africa sub-region. We have a constitutionally accepted procedure in changing government every four years.”
Among the delegation were Brigadier Generals, including Charles Agyemang Prempeh, General Officer Commanding the Central Command; RL Mensah, Commander of the Kumasi Military Hospital; and Y Salifu, the Deputy Chief Staff Officer for Plans and Policy at Army Headquarters, along with staff officers from Army and Central Command Headquarters.
Source: Manhyia Palace
