In a significant moment of transition and tradition, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Major General William Agyapong, has officially announced the honourable release of all Two-Star Generals from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). The announcement was made during a high-level meeting held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the CDS’s office in Burma Camp, Accra.
The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Major General William Agyapong, hosted all serving Two-Star Generals of the Ghana Armed Forces at a special gathering to formally recognise and commend their outstanding service and professionalism.
During the meeting, Major General Agyapong conveyed the gratitude of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, acknowledging the immense contributions made by the Generals to the growth and integrity of the GAF.
In line with military regulations and to enhance command and control within the Armed Forces, the CDS officially informed the officers that many of them would be honourably released from active service. This move is part of a structured leadership transition within the GAF’s hierarchy.
Representing the Two-Star Generals, the Commandant of the National College of Defence Studies, Major General Irvine Aryeetey, described the transition as consistent with longstanding military tradition. He noted that such succession patterns are a hallmark of the GAF’s disciplined structure, citing previous examples including the handovers between Lieutenant General O.B. Akwa and Vice Admiral S. Amoama (five intakes apart), and Vice Admiral Amoama to General Thomas Oppong-Peprah (three intakes apart).
He added that the current transition between General Oppong-Peprah and Major General Agyapong, which spans four intakes, fits seamlessly into this legacy. General Aryeetey further expressed appreciation to the CDS for the formal invitation and gesture of honour, a practice he described as a welcome departure from the norm.
The event concluded with a luncheon hosted by the CDS, during which he extended his best wishes to the outgoing Generals for their future endeavours. The meeting was attended by Service Chiefs and the Chief of Staff, General Headquarters.
The release marks a pivotal moment in the GAF’s ongoing evolution, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to professionalism, structured succession, and excellence in leadership.
For those who may not be familiar with the term honourably released from active service, here is an explainer:
To say that two-star generals of the army are honourably released from active service means that these high-ranking officers (typically Major Generals in most military hierarchies) are being formally retired or relieved of their command duties in a dignified and respectful manner, as part of a structured and customary process.
This implies that:
Not a dismissal or punishment:Honourably indicates that the officers are not being removed for misconduct or failure, but rather in recognition of their service and in line with established protocols.
Completion of service:These officers may have reached the mandatory retirement age, completed their term of command, or are being replaced due to strategic succession planning.
Transition for leadership renewal:It’s often part of a broader reshuffling of military leadership to bring in newer officers from younger intakes, ensuring continuity and rejuvenation in command structures.
Retain respect and benefits: Honourable release usually means they retain their ranks, military honours, and pension entitlements.
The phrase reflects a graceful exit from leadership roles at the top of the military hierarchy, not forced, but planned, and acknowledges the contributions and legacy of those officers.
By Peter Quao Adattor
