Akufo-Addo Appoints In-law Army Chief of Staff

Reports available to The Herald reveal that, the family and friends rule, has landed in the Ghana Armed Force with President Akufo-Addo, appointing his in-law as the new army Chief of Staff.

Brigadier General Thomas Oppong-Peprah’s wife is a direct relative of President Akufo-Addo. His wife, Asantewaa, is the daughter of Nana Ama Dokuah, the Queen Mother of Kyebi; with whom Akufo-Addo is directly related to in the Kyebi royal family.

His appointment from army sources is making the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) Major General Obed Akwa, very uncomfortable and powerless.

Many see Oppong-Peprah, as the CDS by virtue of his family connections, and report to him, rather than Major General Akwa.

Already, some of the soldiers, have started saying Major General Akwa, should have been sent him home together with Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Maxwell Mantsebi-Tei Nagai and the current Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo.

Until his appointment, Brig. Gen Oppong-Peprah, was the General Officer Commanding Southern Command; a position he got when Nana Akufo-Addo became president.

There are claims of uneasiness within the army, because he would be jumping over officers who are more senior to him.

He is said to be an Intake 26, and in the Army’s chain of command, had been jumped over the heads of some senior officers.

Although, such appointments automatically leads to the release of the senior officer to avoid tensions, it is unclear what the faith of these senior army officers who are ahead of Oppong-Peprah would become as military insiders says the appointment is an indication that the president does not trust the top brass of his army.

A statement announcing the appointment by the office of the President last Friday, said his appointment would take effect from January 8, 2019.

The statement also announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Seth Amoama and Air Commodre Frank Hanson as Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff, respectively as a replacement of Air Vice Marshal Maxwell Mantsebi-TeiNegai and Rear Admiral Peter Faidoo.