News

Major Gen Gbetanu Takes Over As COAS

• 24 Mar
• Admin

Major General (Maj Gen) Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu has taken over as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) from Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona.  The handing-over ceremony took place at the forecourt of the Army Headquarters on Monday, 24 March 2024. In his farewell address, outgoing COAS, Lt Gen BK Onwona expressed his joy, pride, and happiness in handing over the baton of leadership. He thanked God for guiding him throughout his 39-year career and acknowledged the challenges he faced during his 13-month tenure as COAS. Despite the demanding and exhausting nature of his role, Lt Gen Onwona indicated that he found his experience rewarding, particularly with the progress made through his Quick Impact Projects as part of efforts to address the infrastructure challenges and also to enhance the well-being of Army personnel across the Commands. Through the same project, the Army Headquarters addressed the over two-decade old water problem at the Duala Barracks. Lt Gen Onwona also highlighted major achievements of the Army during his tenure, including the establishment of two new Artillery and Engineer Regiments, as well as the establishment of the headquarters of the Artillery and Engineer Brigades, although admittedly these are still a work in progress. He also mentioned the successful conduct of the 2024 general elections.  Additionally, Lt Gen Onwona mentioned that the Army had been able to augment the fleet of vehicles, particularly with armoured personnel carriers to enhance the capabilities of the mechanized units in particular and to markedly improve the mobility of the Army in general.  He expressed gratitude to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo for the opportunity to serve as COAS and also thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for his magnanimity. He commended the Officers, Solldiers and Civilian staff of the Ghana Army for their hard work and support, and encouraged them to remain cohesive, and committed to the support of the new COAS. The official transfer of power was symbolized by Lt Gen Onwona handing over the Ghana Army colours and the staff of authority to Maj Gen Gbetanu. This was followed by a pulling out ceremony for Lt Gen Onwona.