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

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

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

The council advise 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, Defence Minister, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Minister and Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, Minister for the Interior.

The rest are Mr Daniel Addo, Mr 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 the strengthening of our military and maintaining the high professional standards and discipline that have been a mark 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 honour, wisdom and unwavering commitment to Ghana.”

He said the Government would ensure that the military remains not just an institution of defence, 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 said as they move forward, they should all commit to working together to build a stronger, more modern, and more resilient Ghana Armed Forces.

To the newly sworn-in Members of the Ghana Armed Forces Council, the President urged them to embrace this 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 honour done to them.

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

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

She reiterated the Council’s commitment to ensure that the Ghana Armed Forces retain, sustain, and even extend this reputation which was established globally.