Mahama Appoints New Acting Service Chiefs for the Ghana Armed Forces

President John Mahama has officially announced the appointment of new Acting Service Chiefs for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in a move aimed at restructuring the military leadership. These changes, effective from March 24, 2025, are part of a strategic effort to enhance the country’s defense framework, ensuring that the armed forces remain capable, efficient, and well-prepared for future challenges.

The newly appointed Acting Service Chiefs are as follows:

Acting Chief of the Defence Staff: Brigadier General William Agyapong
Acting Chief of Army Staff: Brigadier General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu
Acting Chief of Naval Staff: Commodore Godwin Livinus Bessing
Acting Chief of Air Staff: Air Commodore Eric Agyen-Frempong
Acting Chief of Staff: Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan

These appointments are made pending consultations with the Council of State, as per the constitutional requirements. This step underscores the importance of adhering to legal protocols before the appointments are officially confirmed.

The restructuring of the leadership within the Ghana Armed Forces is seen as an effort to reinforce the country’s defense infrastructure, particularly as the world faces evolving security dynamics. By appointing these new Acting Service Chiefs, President Mahama aims to strengthen military operations and enhance the overall performance of the armed forces. The changes also reflect a recognition of the need for leadership that is both capable and adaptable to the demands of modern defense challenges.

President Mahama expressed deep appreciation for the outgoing leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly Chief of the Defence Staff, General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, whose tenure has come to an end. During a meeting at the Flagstaff House, President Mahama took the opportunity to thank General Oppong-Peprah and the other outgoing Service Chiefs for their dedication and exceptional service to the nation throughout their terms in office. Their contributions to the country’s defense and security have been invaluable, and the president emphasized that their leadership has played a critical role in ensuring stability within the military and the nation as a whole.

The reshuffling of leadership comes at a time when global and regional security concerns are becoming increasingly complex. The new Acting Service Chiefs will be tasked with navigating these challenges and ensuring that Ghana’s armed forces remain responsive and effective in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

In particular, the military’s role in peacekeeping efforts, disaster response, and counter-terrorism operations in both domestic and international contexts remains crucial. The Ghana Armed Forces have earned a reputation for their professionalism and commitment to upholding peace and security, and the new appointments are expected to carry on this legacy of excellence while introducing fresh perspectives and strategies.

While the restructuring of military leadership is not uncommon in many countries, it highlights the importance of leadership renewal and the role of the president in shaping the direction of national defense policies. Through these appointments, President Mahama seeks to bring forward a leadership team that will continue to ensure Ghana’s preparedness against emerging security threats while maintaining the armed forces’ readiness for any eventuality.

As the appointed Acting Service Chiefs prepare to take on their new roles, there will be a period of transition in which they will work closely with their predecessors and other military leaders to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. The Ghana Armed Forces are known for their discipline and cohesion, and it is expected that these changes will be implemented seamlessly to maintain operational effectiveness.

The move to appoint new leadership in the Ghana Armed Forces reflects President Mahama’s commitment to reinforcing the country’s defense architecture and ensuring the readiness of the military in a constantly evolving security landscape. It is also a reminder of the ongoing importance of professional leadership in the armed forces, which is essential to the stability and safety of Ghana.