President John Dramani Mahama has shaken up the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces with the appointment of Brigadier General William Agyapong as the interim Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Pending approval from the Council of State, Brigadier General Agyapong steps into the role formerly held by General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, who was selected by former President Akufo-Addo in January last year.
The presidential announcement, delivered by Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu on Monday, also revealed other commanding changes within the army’s highest ranks. These newly named officers will hold their posts on an interim basis until confirmed by the Council:
– 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, effective March 24, 2025, cap off a broader strategic realignment of security leadership by the government. President Mahama recently expressed his appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs and pledged to leverage their invaluable experience in shaping Ghana’s security agenda.
As part of this reshuffle, the president also bid adieu to former heads of sister security services, such as the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Prison Service, who were replaced last week. Notably absent was the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, succeeded by COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno amid public and political reactions to his removal.
The shifting of the guard emphasizes the government’s commitment to fortifying security infrastructure, with President Mahama leading the charge towards a reinvigorated defense strategy.