Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah has been appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), effective February 1, 2024.
The announcement was part of changes in the military hierarchy made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The appointment is subject to consultation with the Council of State, in accordance with Article 212 of the Constitution of the Republic. The decision follows the imminent completion of the tour of duty and subsequent retirement from the Ghana Armed Forces on February 1, 2024, of the current Chief of Defense Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama.
President Akufo-Addo expressed deep gratitude to Vice Admiral Seth Amoama for his devoted and meritorious service to the Ghana Armed Forces and the nation. In addition to the CDS appointment, Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has been appointed as Chief of Army Staff, succeeding Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, effective February 1, 2024. Major General Onwona, until his new appointment, served as the Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College. Rear Admiral Issah Adams Yakubu and Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe will continue in their positions as Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff, respectively.
Profile of Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah
Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah has an illustrious military career that spans several decades. Commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces in 1986 as part of Regular Career Course 26, he started his journey as a Second Lieutenant in the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment. Over the years, he has undergone various career progression courses, demonstrating his commitment to professional development.
Major General Oppong-Peprah holds a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from Kings College, London (2013–2014). His educational background also includes an Executive Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management) from the University of Ghana, Legon (2006–2007), a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration (Human Resource Management) from the University of Ghana (1999–2004), and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (1998).
Throughout his career, Major General Oppong-Peprah has taken on various roles and responsibilities. Notable appointments include Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of the Defense Staff, Ghana Armed Forces (1995–1997). He served as the Commanding Officer of the 64 Infantry Regiment from 2002 to 2009, with an additional appointment as Commanding Officer of the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment from 2004 to 2005.
His leadership skills were further showcased as the Coordinator of State Transport Security (2001–2008) and as an instructor in the Disaster Management Course at the Army Combat Training School, Teshie (2001–2005). Major General Oppong-Peprah held crucial positions such as Director of Strategic Intelligence Assessment at the Defense Intelligence Department, General Headquarters (2009–2011) and Director of Operations and Plans at the Defense Industries Department, General Headquarters (2011–2013).
In international peacekeeping operations, he served as a Humanitarian Officer for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda (June to December 1994), a Military Observer for the United Nations Aouzou Strip Observer Group in Libya/Chad (March to May 1994), a G4 Transport and Plans for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (1993), and a Detachment Second-In-Command/Troop Leader for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon/Israel (1987, 1989, 1992).
Major General Oppong-Peprah’s contributions to the military have been recognized with appointments like Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters and General Officer Commanding, Southern Command of the Ghana Army. His dedication and leadership qualities led to his appointment as Chief of the Army Staff in March 2020, a position he currently holds.
Beyond his military commitments, Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah is involved in governance as a board member of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). Married with five children, he enjoys various activities such as horseback riding, soccer, traveling, watching movies, and jogging.
Press statement below
