News

Chief of the Army Staff Inducted into Office

• 12 May
• Admin

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu has been inducted into office, together with other members of the Military High Command at the Church of Pentecost, Burma Camp Worship Center on Sunday, 11 May 2025.

The inductees included Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Gowin Livinus Bessing, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong and Chief of Staff (COS) of the General Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai.

The ceremony, themed “You are a chosen vessel of Christ,” was held to commit the new Chiefs to God and seek protection, wisdom, and guidance as they undertake the responsibility of ensuring peace and stability within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the nation, following their assumption of command on 24 March 2025.

Apostle Brigadier General Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode, Director General of Religious Affairs for the GAF, led the Chiefs in affirming their oath of office, after which they were dedicated to God and presented to the congregation.

The guest preacher, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, preached on “Serve God and Serve the Nation,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork for successful leadership. Drawing from 2 Samuel 10:1-14, he highlighted that great leaders succeed by nurturing supportive teams rather than relying on individual brilliance alone.

He outlined key principles for strong institutions including the absence of a single superstar, the need for organic and flexible teams aligned with organizational vision, and recognition of leadership limitations requiring collective support. He urged all personnel to commit to working together to serve both God and country.

Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, expressed pride in the new leadership and confidence in their competence, patriotism, and integrity. He noted that their appointments mark a call to greater national duty amid complex global and regional security challenges, including violent extremism and cyber threats.

He commended the unity displayed during the ceremony as a testament to their strong bond and assured of government support for the Armed Forces in fulfilling their constitutional mandate. He encouraged the Chiefs to maintain discipline, teamwork, and professionalism.

In his remarks, the Chief the Army Staff expressed humility and gratitude for the opportunity to lead. He emphasized that leadership involves responsibility to guide, protect, and uphold military values of integrity, courage, and faith. He pledged to honour the legacies of his predecessors and to build an army grounded in core values, equipped with adaptive technologies and motivated to defend Ghana’s sovereignty.

The induction service was attended by ministers of state, heads of sister security services, serving and retired generals, senior officers, soldiers, defense civilian staff, as well as family members and friends of the inductees.