Ghana Armed Forces honours eight retiring generals at Burma Camp

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has honoured eight flag officers for their dedicated and selfless service to the nation as they retire from active military duty.

The officers, seven Army generals and one Air Force general, were given a send-off parade at Burma Camp in Accra. Military personnel, family members, colleagues, friends and well-wishers attended the ceremony to celebrate their years of meritorious service.

The Retiring Officers

The retiring officers are Brigadier General Selassie Gagakuma, Brigadier General Michael Kwadwo Opoku, Brigadier General Augustine Asiedu, Brigadier General Kweku Dankwa Hagan, Brigadier General Omari John Ampadu, Brigadier General Albert Yaw Assiamah, Brigadier General Andrews Seth Mensah Attoh and Air Commodore Mathias Awuah.

They received citations and mementos from the GAF. They also received special sponsorship and an undisclosed cash gift from President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Former CDS Commends GAF High Command

The guest of honour, former Chief of Defence Staff Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje (retd), commended the GAF High Command for the ceremony. He described it as a significant initiative that recognises dedicated service to the nation.

He said the recognition sends a message to serving personnel that commitment, professionalism, sacrifice and loyalty are valued. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of the officers' families, who endured long periods of separation, relocation and uncertainty.

Air Marshal Samson-Oje, a member of the Council of State, said the retiring officers had distinguished themselves through dedication and leadership, contributing to the security, stability and development of Ghana.

Service in International Peacekeeping Missions

He noted that the officers' service extended beyond Ghana to international peace support operations in Lebanon, Liberia, Sudan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire and South Sudan.

Air Marshal Samson-Oje said their experience, wisdom and strategic insight would remain valuable to the country even in retirement, adding that "retirement from active service does not signify retirement from national service."

A Cherished Military Tradition

The Chief of Staff at General Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, described the farewell parade as one of the military's cherished and time-honoured traditions.

He said the ceremony offered a formal and dignified transition from decades of active service into retirement.

Air Vice Marshal Mensah-Larkai said the retiring generals had built strong foundations of discipline, bravery and structural excellence within the GAF. He expressed hope that the ceremony would become a lasting tradition of the Armed Forces.

Retiring Generals Express Gratitude

Speaking on behalf of the retiring generals, Brigadier General Augustine Asiedu thanked God for protecting them and giving them the strength and wisdom to serve.

He also thanked the officers, soldiers, civilian staff and others they had worked with throughout their careers.

Brigadier General Asiedu described their time in the GAF as a remarkable journey filled with lessons, challenges, experiences and memorable moments.

He said that although they were leaving active service, the values of discipline, loyalty, selflessness, teamwork and dedication they had learnt would stay with them.

He urged serving personnel to uphold these values, noting that they are important not only for a strong military but also for national development.