After 31 years of distinguished service, Brigadier-General Quashie officially retired from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), marking the end of a remarkable career that has been characterized by both military prowess and unparalleled professionalism in communication.
He leaves behind not just a legacy of military achievements but a profound impact on the way the Armed Forces interact with the public.
It’s with great admiration and deep respect that I reflect on the retirement of Brigadier-General Eric Aggrey Quashie, a man whose service to the GAF and his exemplary leadership in the military’s public relations department will forever be remembered.
A legacy of service to Ghana
Brigadier-General Quashie’s journey with the Ghana Armed Forces began three decades ago.
Throughout his illustrious career, he served in various capacities and earned the respect of his peers, subordinates, and the public alike.
His strength as a military officer was undeniable, but it was his role as a communicator and leader of the GAF Public Relations (PR) Directorate that truly set him apart.
For 10 years, he led the PR outfit with distinction, transforming how the Armed Forces communicated with the public.
His tenure as the head of the directorate marked a turning point for the GAF, moving from a military institution primarily concerned with internal affairs to a more transparent and outward-facing entity that bridged the gap between the military and the Ghanaian people.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Brigadier-General Quashie was the face of the GAF’s communication efforts, shaping the narrative and ensuring that the public was informed, engaged, and connected to the work of the Armed Forces.
Suffice it to say that he took some verbal bullets while doing this, but as the gallant soldier that he was, he took them in his stride and soldiered on.
A master of Public Relations: Bringing GAF closer to the people
What stands out most about Brigadier-General Quashie is his ability to blend his military discipline with a keen understanding of public relations.
He was more than just an officer – he was a consummate PR professional who understood the delicate balance of promoting the image of the military while maintaining its necessary confidentiality.
His ability to handle crises with grace, communicate effectively in times of conflict, and foster positive public relations with the media was second to none.
I had the privilege of working closely with him over the years, and I can say with certainty that Brigadier-General Quashie was a rare combination of military authority and PR acumen.
His proactive approach to communication was truly groundbreaking. He didn’t wait for the media to approach the GAF with questions or concerns – he went to them.
His strategy was simple but effective: stay ahead of the story, address issues before they became problems, and always maintain an open line of communication with the public.
Under his leadership, the GAF became more transparent, more approachable, and more respected than ever before.
He understood that in today’s world, the military must not only be capable in defense matters but also trustworthy and relatable in its dealings with the public.
His work fostered a sense of trust between the GAF and the Ghanaian people, reminding us all that the military is not a distant entity but a part of the community, there to protect and serve.
A man of character and integrity
Beyond his professional achievements, Brigadier-General Quashie is someone who commands respect simply by the way he carries himself.
As a leader, he exuded integrity, humility, and a sense of duty that inspired all who worked with him. He was approachable, understanding, and genuinely invested in the well-being of his colleagues and the soldiers under his command.
His leadership style was a fine balance of strength and kindness, earning him the admiration of both the senior leadership and the troops.
In every interaction, he showed the true meaning of service. His ability to listen, his commitment to the mission, and his unshakable sense of responsibility made him a role model for many, both in and out of the military.
Brigadier-General Quashie will be remembered not only for the milestones he achieved in his career but for the way he made people feel valued and heard.
A well-deserved retirement
As Brigadier-General Quashie embarks on his well-deserved retirement, it is impossible to ignore the mark he has left on the Ghana Armed Forces and the broader community.
While the military will no longer be guided by his steady hand in the PR Directorate, the lessons he instilled – of transparency, trust, and effective communication – will continue to shape the GAF for years to come.
Personally, I will always remember Brigadier-General Quashie not just for his professional excellence but for the warmth and humility he brought to everything he did.
He showed us all that leadership is not about position or title but about the impact you have on others.
His retirement marks the end of an era for the Ghana Armed Forces, but his legacy will endure.
Thank you, Brigadier-General Eric Aggrey Quashie, for your 31 years of service, for your extraordinary work in public relations, and for the positive impact you’ve made on the Ghana Armed Forces and the country at large.
Your legacy will live on, and you will always be respected and admired by all who had the privilege of knowing you.
In honouring him today, we celebrate not just the military officer, but the man – a true patriot who gave his all for Ghana.
Wishing Brigadier-General Quashie a fulfilling retirement filled with peace, joy, and continued service to his community.