The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Joseph Boateng Danquah, is to proceed on leave beginning January 28, 2009.

His removal from office was announced by the government Monday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to President Mills, Mr. Bebaako Mensah.

The same letter also confirmed the removal from office of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong. He is also proceeding on leave beginning January 28.

Lt. Gen. Danquah was appointed CDS in 2005, after holding various military appointments including Commanding Officer Third Infantry Battalion, Four Training Battalion, Director Army Operations, Assistant Commandant, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (Junior Division) as well as the Chief Staff Officer, Army Headquarters from August 1999 to March 2001.

He also served as the General Officer Commanding the Southern Command of the Ghana Army from March 2001 to 20 May 2005