In response to a parliamentary question by Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah clarified the rationale behind the dismissal of several Major Generals from the Ghana Armed Forces following June’s democratic transition.
Dr. Boamah emphasized that the restructuring aligns with the GAF’s primary roles: protecting Ghana’s territorial integrity, preserving democratic institutions, and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.
He indicated that the government is focused on enhancing the Armed Forces’ service efficiency in an increasingly complex and unpredictable security environment marked by challenges such as border threats, maritime insecurity, cyber-attacks, illegal mining, smuggling, human trafficking, and violent extremism.
The Minister highlighted historical precedents during past transitions: in 2001, 2005, 2009, 2017, and 2021, Major Generals were routinely released even before reaching the compulsory retirement age of 63 with Brigadier Generals often appointed as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
In 2005 and 2009, for instance, Major Generals were released en masse and replaced by Brigadier Generals in the CDS role.
Similarly, notable premature releases occurred in 2017 Maj. Gen. G.B. Saagbul (age 62) and Maj. Gen. S.K. Adeti (59) and between 2009 and 2010.
These moves were justified as measures to refresh leadership and ensure operational effectiveness.
Dr. Boamah corrected the MP’s claim that all fifteen Major Generals were dismissed, clarifying that, Eight reached terminal leave before mandatory retirement in December 2025 and January 2026.
He added, four aged 60–62 were released early in compliance with GAF regulations and precedent whiles, One Major General, Irvin Nii-Ayittey Aryeetey, is being considered for promotion to Lieutenant General to serve at the United Nations, underscoring his importance to international peace efforts.
Defense minister further explain that, the remaining three Major Generals continue to serve in key roles as Maj. Gen. Robert Affram Deputy Force Commander, UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Maj. Gen. Anita Asmah Force Commander, UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), Air Vice-Marshal Felix Asante Acting President of the National Defence University in Ghana.
Citing Article 212 of the 1992 Constitution, Dr. Boamah reaffirmed the president’s authority exercised in consultation with the Council of State to appoint a new CDS. The appointment of a Brigadier General follows established tradition, given the calibre of service chief candidates and the necessity to align leadership to strategic needs.
Dr. Boamah stressed that the decision is anchored in law, regulation, and precedent, aimed at fortifying Ghana’s defense capability: “to promote service efficiency as we reset Ghana and work with patriotic zeal to continue to implement measures that will safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our dear Nation; secure our democracy; and ensure the protection of life and property.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
