News

Change of Command Ceremony Held at HQ Southern Command

• 08 May
• Admin

A change of command ceremony was held at Headquarters Southern Command of the Ghana Army to formally transfer Powers of Command and responsibility of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) from Brig Gen Samuel Yeboah Asare to Brig Gen Isaac Nicholas Paintsil on Thursday 08 May 2025. The occasion was also to officially mark the retirement of Brig Gen SY Asare after 35 years of dedicated service to the colours. This transition, directed by Higher Command, entrusts Brig Gen Paintsil with the leadership of Southern Command, which holds operational control over seven of Ghana's sixteen administrative regions.The two Generals signed the handing over certificates, after which the command baton and flag were exchanged from the outgoing GOC to the incoming GOC, to signify the official transfer of power and authority of command.Brig Gen Asare in his farewell remarks made reference to the scriptures that emphasize that, there is time and seasons for everything under the sun. He indicated that, during his tenure as the 27th GOC of the Command from November 2023 to 28 April 2025, he improved upon the efforts of his predecessors and carried the command to greater professional heights, with positive results in the administrative and operational tasks undertaken by the Command.He added that through collective efforts, the Command attained a high standard of operational readiness and esprit de corps. He commended troops of the command for their untiring efforts, dedication to duty and high standard of professionalism exhibited over the period and urged all ranks to uphold the spirit of excellence which the Command is noted for.For his part, Brig Gen IN Paintsil extolled Gen Asare for his mentorship and friendship, dating back to their time in the Ghana Military Academy, describing him as an affable General and a competent leader.He congratulated his predecessor for his sterling performance during his tenure of duty through his commitment to duty and demanded higher levels of loyalty, cooperation, professionalism and dedication to duty from Staff Officers and troops to ensure success as he takes over Command.The handing/taking over ceremony was preceded by other significant activities including a special quarter guard in honour of the incoming GOC, operational and administrative briefings by key appointment holders, one on one interactions between the two Generals and a tour of the command HQ.