Major General Obed Akwa has been appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the acting Chief of Defense Staff (CDS).

Until his appointment, Major Akwa was the Chief of Army who also served as the Commandant of the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Center staff takes over from Air Marshall Samson Oje who has retired earlier today.

President Akufo Addo who announced the promotion describes General Akwa as highly qualified for the top job of the armed forces. 

The President said he got to know Major Akwa well when he served as former President John Agyekum Kufuor's Aide-de-camp (ADC). 

"I believe that his career and personality makes him strongly qualified to act in the top job of the armed forces," President Akufo-Addo said Thursday during the announcement of the new CDS. 

Below is his CV

Master of Science (MSc) in Global Security – Cranfield University, United Kingdom, 2003.

Masters of Science (MSc) in Defence and Strategic Studies – University of Madras, India 1997.

Passed Staff College (psc) – Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India, 1997.

Passed Staff College (psc) – Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Teshie, Ghana, 1989.

Certificate in Public Administration – Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Accra, Ghana, 1989.

Junior Staff Course (jsc) – Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Teshie, Ghana, 1989.

Diploma in Military Studies from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, UK from January 1976 – March 1977.

Basic Officer training at the Ghana Military Academy from October 1975 – January 1976.

General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level (GCE A level) – Sekondi College, Ghana 1975.

General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level (GCE O Level) – Mpraeso Secondary School, Ghana, 1973.

The President also appointed current Commandant of the Military Training and Academy School, Major General Azure Ayamdo as the Acting Chief of Army Staff pending the consultation with the Council of State.

"I am aware that these are novel interventions in the governance of our country but I believe in transparency and making sure that Ghanaians are always aware of what is happening here [Flagstaff House] and the decisions we take on their behalf," the President said explaining the reason behind him personally outdooring the appointment of some important public officials. 

Meanwhile, Air vice marshal Maxwell Manchebi Teye Nagai and Real Admiral Peter Kofi Seidu maintains their roles as Chief of Air Staff and Navy Staff respectively.