Former CDS Praises GAF Leadership for Welfare, Infrastructure Drive

The former Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje (Rtd), has commended the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for prioritising the welfare of personnel and investing in the modernization of military infrastructure. He singled out the current CDS, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, for his efforts to improve the conditions of service for personnel and his initiative to redevelop Burma Camp with modern facilities.

Air Marshal Samson-Oje made the remarks when Lieutenant General Agyapong, accompanied by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, paid a courtesy visit to him at his residence in Accra on Friday, August 14, 2026. The engagement formed part of the CDS’s outreach to former senior military leaders aimed at maintaining strong links between past and present leadership and drawing on the experience of retired commanders to support the continued development of the Armed Forces.

Air Marshal Samson-Oje stressed the importance of personnel welfare to the effectiveness of the military, commending the CDS for placing the well-being of service personnel high on his leadership agenda. He noted that improved welfare was essential to maintaining morale, professionalism and operational effectiveness, particularly in an institution whose readiness depended heavily on the commitment and well-being of its personnel.

He also welcomed the ongoing efforts to transform Burma Camp, describing the redevelopment of obsolete structures into modern facilities as an important step towards improving the living and working environment of military personnel and their families. The initiative, he indicated, would not only enhance accommodation and working conditions but also help bring military installations in line with contemporary standards.

The retired CDS further expressed appreciation to Lieutenant General Agyapong for his continued attention to the affairs of the Retired Commissioned Officers Association. He emphasized the importance of maintaining meaningful engagement between serving and retired officers, noting that such interaction helps preserve institutional memory and allows the experience and knowledge accumulated by former senior commanders to continue contributing to the development of the Armed Forces. The engagement therefore provided an opportunity for the current military leadership to benefit from the perspectives of a former CDS while strengthening the relationship between serving personnel and retired officers.

In response, Lieutenant General Agyapong expressed gratitude to Air Marshal Samson-Oje for his guidance and support since he assumed command of the Ghana Armed Forces. He acknowledged that the progress being made by the current leadership was built on the foundations laid by previous commanders and the dedication, sacrifices and achievements of generations of military personnel.

The CDS also credited the Service Chiefs for their cooperation and their shared commitment to advancing his vision for the Armed Forces. He stressed that effective leadership within the military required teamwork and a collective determination to improve personnel welfare while enhancing operational readiness and strengthening the institution’s overall capacity.

The engagement underscored the value of continuity in military leadership, with the current administration seeking to combine the experience of former commanders with ongoing efforts to modernise facilities, improve personnel welfare and strengthen the operational capability of the Ghana Armed Forces.

By: Joyce Owusu