Akufo-Addo Moves ‘Proud Bono’ Oppong-Peprah From COAS To CDS; Onwona Elevated

President Akufo-Addo has appointed Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) moving him from his preferred position Chief of Army Staff (COAS). 

Earlier reports had suggested the Army Chief was resisting a movement from COAS to CDS due to reasons best known to him leading to alleged tensions in the military. 

Today, Wednesday 24th January 2024, a statement from the Presidency indicates Akufo-Addo has made new appointments to the Military with Oppong Peprah being moved. 

The President also appointed Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona as Chief of Army Staff, to succeed Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, with effect from Thursday, 1st February 2024. 

 “President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has appointed the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, as Chief of Defence Staff, effective Thursday, 1st February 2024. This appointment has been made subject to consultation with the Council of State, pursuant to the provisions of Article 212 of the Constitution of the Republic.” The statement said. 

“It follows the imminent completion of the tour of duty and subsequent retirement from the Ghana Armed Forces, on Thursday, 1st February 2024, of the current Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama. President Akufo-Addo has expressed his deep gratitude to him for his devoted and meritorious service to the Ghana Armed Forces and to the nation.

The President has also appointed Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona as Chief of Army Staff, in succession to Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, with effect from Thursday, 1st February 2024. This appointment has also been made subject to consultation with the Council of State, pursuant to the provisions of Article 212 of the Constitution of the Republic. Major General Onwona, until his new appointment, was the Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

Rear Admiral Issah Adams Yakubu and Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe remain in their positions as Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff respectively.