Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, on Sunday 11th May, 2025 officially inducted the country’s new Military High Command (MHC) into office at a religious service held at the Church of Pentecost (COP), Burma Camp, Accra.
The induction and religious service ushered in Lieutenant General William Agyapong as Chief of the Defence Staff; Major General Lawrence Kweku Gbetanu as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing as Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong as Chief of Air Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai as Chief of Staff, General Headquarters.
“Listening to their stories and coming from across the length and breadth of the country, I felt very proud of what we can achieve if we work together as one people bound by a common destiny,” he said. “Your elevation is not only a personal milestone, but also a call to greater national duty.”
He praised the unprecedented decision to induct the entire Military High Command in a single ceremony, describing it as a “testament to the unity and bond among you.”
The Minister further highlighted the rising complexity of global and regional threats—from violent extremism and cyber warfare to transnational crime—and emphasized the need for fortified leadership, collaboration, and unwavering professionalism.
“We are in a world that is more volatile, more uncertain, more complex, and more ambiguous. Unity within your ranks is your greatest strength,” Dr. Boamah said. “With the backing of the Ministry of Defence and the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, your front will be impenetrable.”
Reaffirming government support, he added, “The President remains deeply appreciative of the sacrifices made by our gallant officers and soldiers. We will provide you with the tools, infrastructure, and policy direction necessary to fulfill your constitutional mandate.”
The well-attended ceremony featured a powerful sermon by Director General, Religious Affairs, Brigadier General Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode, and drew an esteemed assembly of dignitaries from across Ghana’s security and political spectrum.
Present at the service were the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno; Head of the Customs Division of the GRA; Head of the Narcotic Control Commission, Brigadier General Maxwell Mantey; Minister for the Interior and MP for Asawase, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed; Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi; Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Hon. James Agalga; and several traditional rulers, senior officers, soldiers, and members of the clergy.
The Minister affectionately acknowledged the presence of “civilians like myself and my brother Hon. Muntaka,” while extending appreciation to the clergy for their spiritual guidance, and the media for their consistent partnership.
As the nation welcomed its new military leadership, Dr. Omane Boamah ended his address with a call for divine guidance: “Let us join in prayer, seeking God and Allah’s protection for our armed forces, our leadership, and our great nation. May God bless our Chief of Defence Staff, Service Commanders, and all personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces as we serve with distinction and honor.”