New CDS Takes Office

The outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Mathew Quashie has handed over the staff of office to Air Vice Marshal Michael Sampson-Oje during a ceremony at the forecourt of Burma Hall, Accra yesterday.

The activity was graced by the heads of security agencies.

Prior to his appointment, AVM Sampson Oje was the Chief of the Air Staff.

AVM Michael Sampson-Oje, who was commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces in 1977 as a pilot, has flown various aircraft types logging over 12,000 flying hours.

By his new appointment as CDS, Air Vice Marshal Michael Sampson –Oje becomes responsible to the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for all administrative and operational matters with regards to the Ghana Armed Forces.

His assumption of office as CDS was preceded by a pulling-out ceremony of the former CDS Vice Admiral Quashie, who served for 45 years.

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The former CDS was described as longest serving officer in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) during a pulling-out ceremony.

He expressed his appreciation to staff of the military for their cooperation during his tenure of office.

He urged personnel to be guided by the details of the Oath of Allegiance they swore when they were commissioned.

Admiral Quashie appealed to the Commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces to make judicious use of the many seasoned retired senior military officers the GAF has produced over the years.

A think-tank of non partisan retired high ranking military officers can be created to offer strategic advice and direction to the government.

The new CDS AVM Samson-Oje gave the assurance that he will hold on to the good principles of his predecessor while introducing fresh ideas in line with contemporary security trends.

By Solomon Ofori