Some of the service chiefs
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Sunday inducted into office the new service chiefs appointed earlier this year by President John Dramani Mahama to head the Military High Command.
The five service chiefs are Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, Chief of the Army Staff; Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, Chief of Air Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, Chief of Staff.
The ceremony took place at the Garrison Church of Pentecost in Burma Camp.
Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, advised the new leadership to see their appointments as a lifetime opportunity to serve with integrity and humility.
He urged them to foster teamwork, be intentional about developing the potential and expertise of their subordinates, and encourage openness and mutual respect.
According to Apostle Nyamekye, such qualities would strengthen trust and confidence within the rank and file of the GAF, thereby enhancing its ability to fulfill its mandate to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Your elevation is a rare opportunity of a lifetime, so hold it with both hands. It is a privilege to serve God and country. Though you are at the helm of the Military High Command, be more open to the contributions and expertise of those at the bottom,” he said.
“See the value in others, recognize their limitations, and work on them. By so doing, they will bring you the insights you need to help map out strategies essential to the country’s security.”
Apostle Nyamekye encouraged all uniformed personnel to support the new leadership in achieving its goals.
Lt. Gen. William Agyapong, the CDS, pledged to give his best in executing his mandate and to support his colleagues in improving the GAF.
“I pledge to take strategic decisions to ensure that the Ghana Armed Forces and its personnel deliver the highest standard in their line of duty,” he noted.
The other service chiefs also expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the trust reposed in them and pledged to serve with integrity, professionalism, and commitment, regardless of logistical and personnel development challenges.
“Let us all recommit to the values of professionalism, loyalty, and integrity, and always be prepared to defend the sovereignty of this country,” said Maj. Gen. Gbetanu.
“I pledge to do my best to keep Ghana’s Navy ships afloat. I am grateful to President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Defence Minister, and the Chief of Nandom for this opportunity to serve as Chief of Naval Staff,” said Rear Admiral Bessing.
“I will make decisions that promote justice, integrity, and the national interest as far as the country’s security is concerned. Though logistical challenges exist, I believe that the collective strength and collaboration within the Ghana Armed Forces will help make it better.”
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, commended the joint induction service of the military chiefs as a sign of their unity and determination to work together.
He expressed confidence that the new appointees would deliver on their pledges and remain committed to collaborating with regional partners to tackle modern security challenges in Ghana and beyond.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Frederick Asare Bekoe (Rtd), Nii Odote Otintor II, Paramount Chief of Sempe, and Naa Professor Edmund Nwinyem Delle Chiir VIII, Paramount Chief of the Nandom Traditional Area in the Upper West Region.
