Major General William Agyapong, the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has reaffirmed the Ghana Armed Forces’ unwavering loyalty to the Constitution, the State, and President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-in-Chief.

He gave this affirmation on Friday, March 28, 2025, during a courtesy visit to President Mahama at the Presidency. He was accompanied by Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, the Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, the Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, the Chief of Air Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, the Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces.

He reassured the President that, under his leadership, they would provide the necessary guidance to strengthen the Ghana Armed Forces, secure the country, and protect its territorial integrity by land, sea, and air.

“As the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, together with all the Service Chiefs of the Ghana Army, Ghana Navy, and Ghana Air Force, as well as the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters, we have come here today, first and foremost, to congratulate Your Excellency on your success in the recent election and your assumption of office as the President of the Republic of Ghana and the Commander-in-Chief,” Major General Agyapong said.

“We were quite sure, Your Excellency, of the resilience that you displayed, and as military personnel, we want to emulate that same level of resilience to persevere through the challenges ahead of us.”

Major General Agyapong expressed gratitude to the President for their appointments and promotions to the ranks of two-star generals.

“We are indeed very grateful. We see this as a testament to the trust and confidence you have in us, and we want to assure you that we will live up to that expectation.”

He stated that their interactions with Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence, had shown them the President’s deep commitment to the Ghana Armed Forces—particularly in the welfare of troops, provision of equipment, and restoring the image of the institution.

He observed that this approach aligned with the principles of the Prussian general and military strategist Carl von Clausewitz, who emphasized the framework of fighting power.

He explained that, through the President’s passion for their welfare, he was satisfying the moral component that the Ghana Armed Forces needed.

Furthermore, by committing to equipping the military to the highest standards, the President was addressing the physical component required for operational efficiency. Most importantly, by advocating for ethical leadership within the Ghana Armed Forces, he was reinforcing the essential moral component.

“With this, we believe that, as a team, we are on course, and we will continue working to support your vision of resetting the Ghana Armed Forces in alignment with the broader agenda of national transformation.”

Major General Agyapong acknowledged the challenges ahead but assured the President of their determination to overcome them.

“We are aware that tough decisions will be required, but we are inspired by the fact that you have assured us of your unwavering support to help us achieve these goals.”

Also present at the event was Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who serves as the Chairperson of the Armed Forces Council.

Other government officials in attendance included Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff; Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence; Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, the Minister for the Interior; and Prosper Douglas Bani, the National Security Adviser.