The former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General (Gen) Thomas Oppong‑Peprah (Rtd), has been awarded the Ordre National du Mérite, Insigne de "Commandeur” by the Ambassador of France, Her Excellency Diarra Dimé Labille, on Thursday 19 March 2026.

Gen Oppong-Peprah (Rtd), now the Deputy Head of Mission of Ghana to Canada received the award for his exceptional leadership and relations maintained during peacekeeping missions throughout his career and for his functions as the former CDS at a ceremony organised at the residence of the Ambassador of France in Cantonment, Accra.

Her Excellency Labille who presented the medal on behalf of the President of France, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron commended the former CDS for being an architect of partnership and deep fraternity between the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the French Armed Forces.

She applauded Gen Oppong-Peprah (Rtd) for his resilience, solidarity and determination, noting that language was no barrier to mutual understanding.

She explained that the Ordre was established in 1963 by General Charles de Gaulle, the first President of the Fifth Republic of France, to recognize acts of devotion and merit that strengthen the nation and its partnerships. She revealed that France elevated Gen Oppong-Peprah (Rtd) to the prestigious rank of Commander, an honour that recognizes not only his service but leadership of the highest order.

In his acceptance speech, Gen Thomas Oppong‑Peprah (Rtd) expressed his gratitude for the distinguished recognition conferred on him by President Emmanuel Macron.
He dedicated the medal to retired and serving Officers, Soldiers and Defence Civilian Staff of GAF for their dedication and professionalism.

In attendance were the Director General Human Resources, Commodore Francis Ayiteyvi Nyarko, the French Defence Attaché to Ghana, Colonel Grégoire Madelin, as well as some representatives from the office of CDS and some Retired Officers.