Reporter: Ayisha Sefakor Adonoo

Photographer: Cpl Osei Ansh

Ghana Armed Forces has held a maiden send-off parade in honour of eight retiring Generals at Burma Camp, Accra, on Friday, 25 September 2026.

Among the retiring officers was the former Chief Staff Officer at the Air Force Headquarters, Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, who served the Ghana Armed Forces for over three decades. 

Delivering the keynote address, the Guest of Honour, former Chief of the Defence Staff and Member of the Council of State, Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje, expressed profound gratitude to the retiring Generals for their distinguished service to the Ghana Armed Forces.

He noted that their careers had been characterised by sacrifice, unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership and an enduring commitment to duty. He commended them for their contributions to the development of the Ghana Armed Forces and the nation.

Air Marshal Samson-Oje (Rtd) also commended the Military High Command for introducing the initiative to formally celebrate the achievements and contributions of retiring senior officers. He expressed the hope that the initiative would become a cherished tradition for generations to come.

He said the occasion sent a powerful message to personnel currently serving in the Ghana Armed Forces that commitment, professionalism, sacrifice and loyalty were recognised and appreciated.

He therefore encouraged serving personnel to continue upholding these values, which, he said, remained fundamental to building and sustaining a strong, disciplined and professional military institution.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, congratulated the retiring Generals and expressed appreciation for their years of dedicated service to the Ghana Armed Forces.

He noted that farewell ceremonies were an important tradition that provided an opportunity to honour senior officers who had served with distinction and were retiring from active service.

Air Vice Marshal Mensah-Larkai, said the ceremony was not merely a farewell but also a celebration of the legacy of the retiring Generals, whose decades of dedicated service had contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Delivering a farewell message on behalf of the retirees, Brigadier General A. Aseidu described it as an honour and privilege to have served the Ghana Armed Forces.

He encouraged serving personnel to continue upholding the core values of the Ghana Armed Forces, stressing that discipline, professionalism, sacrifice and loyalty remained essential to the effectiveness and credibility of the military institution. He expressed appreciation to the Military High Command, colleagues, families and well-wishers for the support and recognition accorded the retiring Generals throughout their careers.

As part of the ceremony, the retiring Generals were presented with gifts and citations in recognition of their distinguished service. They also received an undisclosed cash presentation from the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

The other honoured Generals included, Brigadier General S Gagakuma, Brigadier General MK Opoku, Brigadier General A Asiedu, Brigadier General KD Hagan, Brigadier General OJ Ampadu, Brigadier General AY Assiamah and Brigadier General ASM Attoh.

The ceremony was graced with the presence Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, service Chiefs, senior Officers both serving and retired, Officers, Soldiers, Defence Civilian staff, families and loved ones.