President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, has lauded General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, for his dedicated and committed service to the nation.

The President also commended Lieutenant General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, the outgoing Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, the outgoing Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Marshal Frederick Asare Bekoe, the outgoing Chief of Air Staff, for diligently serving the nation.

He gave these commendations in his address at the inauguration of the Armed Forces Council at the Ministry of Defence in Accra.

As stipulated in the 1992 Constitution, the Council is chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

The Council advises the President on matters of policy relating to defence and strategy, including the role of the Armed Forces, military budgeting and finance, administration, and the promotion of officers above the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel or its equivalent.

Other members of the Council include Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, Minister for the Interior.

The rest are Daniel Addo, Fuseini Iddrisu, and Madam Nancy Dankwa Ampofo.

“At this point, I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the outgoing members of the Armed Forces Council and the service commanders who have diligently served our nation,” President Mahama stated.

“Your dedication and leadership have contributed immensely to strengthening our military and maintaining the high professional standards and discipline that have been the hallmark of the Ghana Armed Forces.

“Your service has been invaluable, and Ghana is deeply grateful for your efforts.”

The President also congratulated all newly sworn-in members of the Armed Forces Council.

“I have no doubt that you will serve with honor, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Ghana.”

He assured that the Government would ensure the military remains not just an institution of defense but a symbol of national unity, excellence, pride, and progress.

“Together, we can shape the future of our Armed Forces for generations to come,” he said.

“We will continue to advocate for better conditions of service, access to quality health care, and opportunities for career advancement within the military.”

President Mahama urged all stakeholders to work together toward building a stronger, more modern, and more resilient Ghana Armed Forces.

To the newly sworn-in members of the Ghana Armed Forces Council, the President encouraged them to embrace their responsibility with dedication and a clear vision.

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang, in her acceptance speech on behalf of the Council, expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the honor bestowed upon them.

“And I want to assure him that as members of the Council, we will rise to the responsibility and ensure that his confidence is not misplaced,” she said.

“I think this is very important. As a Council, we accept the duty to serve diligently, loyally, and with patriotic zeal to reset Ghana and the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure that we have peace and stability for our beloved nation.”

She reiterated the Council’s commitment to ensuring that the Ghana Armed Forces retain, sustain, and even enhance their globally recognized reputation.