The Ghana Armed Forces on Friday, February 5, held a farewell parade in honour of the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Obed Boamah Akwa as he exits the military.

The celebration of the longest-serving officer in the Force and also the longest-serving Chief of Defence Staff took place at Burma Camp in Accra.

Lieutenant General Obed Boamah Akwa has served in the Ghana Armed Forces for 46 years.

Lt Gen. Obed Boamah Akwa who was attired in full military regalia on Friday morning was lauded by senior military officers, personnel from various security agencies, and state officials.

Again, the army officers in their march gave a salute to the former Chief of Defense Staff as he inspected the parade.

The parade was followed by a pull-out ceremony; an event to signify the retirement of a high ranking officer.

The acting Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral Seth Amoama who presided over the ceremony presented citations and gifts to Lt Gen. Obed Boamah Akwa.

The Outgoing Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt Gen OB Akwa hands over the baton to R/Adm Seth Amoama as the Acting CDS. A pulling-out/handing over ceremony was held on Friday, 5 Feb 21 at Burma Camp, Accra to mark the end of Service and subsequent retirement of Lt Gen OB Akwa. pic.twitter.com/lVmDqU7SwQ

— Ghana Armed Forces (@official_gafmil) February 6, 2021

The citations eulogized the “outstanding leadership and dedication” of the former Chief of Defense Staff during his tenure of office.

Kente cloths, native sandals, television sets and a bronze warrior medal were among many gifts presented to the longest-serving officer.

Lt Gen. Obed Boamah Akwa expressed gratitude for the love and support shown him during the number of years he served in the military.

Also, he urged personnel in the military to be embodied with the virtues, ethos of duty, integrity, discipline and honour in order to “remain grounded” in professionalism.

Behaviours that have the tendency of bringing the image of the Ghana Armed Forces into disrepute should be discouraged, he added.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen. Akwa, awarded officers who topped in the 2020 Chief of Defence Staff essay competition.

He also officially handed over the command baton to Rear Admiral Amoama, signifying a successful transfer of authority.

The longest-serving officer, who served the Ghana Armed Forces in various capacities, rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Defence Staff in February 2017.