The incoming General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Central Command, Brigadier General Michael Opoku has committed himself to working assiduously to bring honour and glory to the Asante Kingdom.
At the Manhyia Palace on Thursday, February 28, 2024, he sought the blessing of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to make the vision a reality.
“I promise to do what is right and bring honour to Asanteman and I plead for the blessings of Otumfuo for a smooth tenure.”
Brigadier General Michael Opoku was at the Palace to formally introduce himself to the Monarch under whose jurisdiction the Central Command lies.
He was led by the Outgoing GOC, Brigadier General Charles Agyemang-Prempeh and the Command’s Operation Officer, Colonel Henry Ansah-Akrofi.
Introducing him, Brigadier General Agyemang-Prempeh who served for 11 months said, “The Central Command covers the Ashanti Region, Ahafo Region, Bono Region, Oti Region and the Bono East Region. All these regions are under the Asantehene and you can’t come and work without the blessings of Otumfuo so I had to come with my predecessor for the blessings.”
He also expressed his profound gratitude to Otumfuo for the warm reception and direction he gave him in the past months.
“When I came as the GOC, I came to introduce myself to Otumfuo and seek his blessings and direction. He warmly welcomed me and opened his doors to me. He honoured me. The reception encouraged me to work well. One of his advice to me was to be honest in my endeavours and that counsel has led me.”
Brig Gen Agyemang-Opoku now takes over command and authority of the Ghana Military Academy in Accra. However, he pledged to make himself readily available for every Akwasidae festival.
Among his long-lasting achievements, Colonel Henry Ansah-Akrofi recounted a 20-unit accommodation for soldiers, a parade ground and an ongoing 30-unit accommodation block for soldiers at the foundation level.
Otumfuo commended the outgoing leader for carving out a niche for himself in humility, respect and honesty.
“I monitored his work closely. His hard work has earned him the new duty and I know he did great over there. We will support him with our prayers.”
Welcoming the new GOC, His Majesty said he expected more from him as Brig Gen Agyemang-Prempeh has raised the bar.
“I welcome the new GOC. I expect him to do more than his predecessor did. I open my doors to him. I expect peace in my jurisdiction and cases of chieftaincy riots, let me know before deploying the military if necessary.”
Source: Manhyia Palace
