Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has assured that the release of senior Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) officers following Ghana’s 2025 democratic transition is in line with established regulatory and historical precedents.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday June 11, he responded to a question from Assin South MP, John Ntim Fordjour, regarding the rationale behind the termination of 15 Major Generals and equivalent officers.
He emphasised that the restructuring was driven by service efficiency and national security priorities.
He outlined three key themes guiding the decision:
1. The Purpose of the Ghana Armed Forces – Ensuring the protection of Ghana’s territorial integrity, democracy, and national security.
2. Precedents in Military Transitions – He noted that similar restructuring had occurred under previous administrations, citing past cases where Major Generals were released after political transitions, including in 2001, 2005, 2009, 2017, and 2021.
3. Regulatory Framework – He stressed that the process aligns with existing GAF regulations, which stipulate retirement ages and conditions for release.
Responding to claims that all 15 officers were dismissed, Dr. Boamah clarified, “Eight Major Generals were due for terminal leave before compulsory retirement. Four others aged between 60 and 62 were released in accordance with GAF norms.”
He also highlighted that Major General Irvin Nii-Ayittey Aryeetey is being sponsored for an international role at the United Nations.
Furthermore, he accounted for three senior officers still in service:
– Maj Gen Robert Affram – Currently serving as Deputy Force Commander at the UN Mission in South Sudan.
– Maj Gen Anita Asmah – Force Commander, UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
– AVM Felix Asante – Appointed Acting President of the National Defence University (NDU) in Ghana.
Dr. Boamah concluded, “This process is rooted in the relevant regulatory and historical framework of the Ghana Armed Forces to promote service efficiency.”
Read Dr Omane Boamah’s response on the Major Generals here
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