KEY POINTS
- Thomas Oppong-Peprah is Ghana’s first 4-Star General.
- GAF expansion necessitated promotions aligning with international standards.
- Other military chiefs also received elevated ranks for enhanced leadership.
Ghana has made history with the promotion of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Thomas Oppong-Peprah, to the rank of 4-Star General. This is the first time in the history of the Ghana Armed Forces that a 4-star General is at the helm of the forces, with the creation of this post aimed at synergizing the country’s military system with the rest of the world.
Expansion of Ghana Armed Forces necessitates higher ranks
The GAF has undergone significant expansion in recent years, with the establishment of new commands such as the Support Service Brigade, Southern Command, Central Command, Northern Command, and Recce Brigade. This has in return made the leadership ranks expand due to the growing responsibilities that need to be met.
Traditionally, the GAF was commanded by a 3-star General, however, with the change of guard, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has retained Oppong-Peprah and promoted him to 4-star General in his most recent State of the Nation address.
“This decision aligns our military hierarchy with international standards and enhances the authority of our top military officials,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Promotions strengthen Ghana’s military leadership
Alongside Oppong-Peprah’s promotion, other top military officials have also been elevated. Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, Chief of Army Staff, is now a Lieutenant General, while Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe, Chief of Air Staff, has become an Air Marshal. Rear Admiral Issah Adams Yakubu, Chief of Naval Staff, now holds the rank of Vice Admiral.
According to Graphic online, these promotions reflect Ghana’s commitment to bolstering its military leadership in the face of rising regional security challenges and its growing role in international peacekeeping operations.
“These promotions, alongside successes in anti-terrorism and cross-border security programs, position Ghana as a serious player in defense and security,” President Akufo-Addo added.
A storied career for a historic milestone
Thomas Oppong-Peprah’s promotion caps a distinguished military career that began in 1986 when he was commissioned into the GAF as a Second Lieutenant. Thomas Oppong-Peprah has served in many capacities including serving as the Chief of Staff, General Headquarters, and the Commanding Officer, of the 64 Infantry Regiment.
He is also a veteran of peacekeeping having been involved with the United Nations in Rwanda, Western Sahara, and Lebanon. He has academic achievements that comprise a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from King’s College London University besides an Executive MBA from the University of Ghana.
Promoting Oppong-Peprah to a four-star General ranks him the first in the Ghanaian military, affirming the nation’s determination to enhance its military systems in the global space.
