By Christiana Afua Nyarko
Accra, May 12, GNA – The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Sunday inducted into office the new service chiefs appointed early this year by President John Dramani Mahama to head the Military High Command.
The five service chiefs are Lieutenant General William Agyapong, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, Chief of the Army Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, Chief of Naval Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, Chief of Air Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, the Chief of Staff.
The ceremony took place at the Garrison Church of Pentecost in Burma Camp.
Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, the Chairman, Church of Pentecost, advised the new leadership to see the new positions as a lifetime opportunity to serve with integrity and humility.
He urged them to foster more teamwork and be intentional about the development of the potential and expertise of subordinates and encourage openness and respect.
That, Apostle Nyamekye said, would strengthen trust and confidence within the rank and file of GAF, thereby effectively performing its mandate to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Your elevation is a rare opportunity of a lifetime so hold it with two hands. It is a privilege to serve God and Country. Though you are at the helm of the Military high command, be more open to the contributions and the expertise of those at the bottom,” he said.
“See the value in others, recognise their limitations and work on them. By so doing they will bring you the secrets you need to help map strategies essential to the country’s security.”
Apostle Nyamekye encouraged all uniformed personnel to support the new leadership to achieve its goal.
Lt. Gen. William Agyepong, the CDS, promised to give his best to execute his new mandate and support his other colleagues’ work to make GAF better.
“I pledge to take strategic decisions to ensure that the Ghana Armed Forces and its personnel to deliver the best standard in their line of duty,” he noted.
The other service chiefs also expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the trust reposed in them and pledged to serve with integrity, professionalism and commitment regardless of logistical and personnel development challenges.
“Let us all recommit to the values of professionalism, loyalty and integrity and be always prepared to defend the sovereignty of this country,” Maj. Gen Gbetanu noted.
“I pledge to do my best to keep Ghana’s Navy ships afloat. I am grateful to President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Defence Minister and the Chief of Nandom for this opportunity to serve in the capacity of the Chief of Naval Staff,” Rear Admiral Bessing said.
“I will make decisions that promote justice, integrity and foster national interest as far as the country’s security is concerned. Though logistical challenges exist, I believe that the collective strength and collaboration within the Ghana Armed forces will help make it better.”
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence, commended the joint induction service of the military chiefs as proof of their unity and determination to work together.
He expressed the confidence that the new appointees would deliver on their pledges and commitment to collaborate with regional partners to tackle the modern security challenges in the country and beyond.
Dignatories who graced the occasion included the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Federick Asare Bekoe (Rtd), Nii Odote Otintor II, the Paramount Chief of Sempe, and Naa Professor Edmund Nwinyem Delle Chiir VIII, Paramount Chief of Nandom Traditional Area, Upper West Region.
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