The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has held a send-off parade in honour of eight senior Generals who have retired from active military service.
The ceremony was held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Forecourt of the Department of Public Relations at Burma Camp in Accra.
It brought together senior military officers, serving personnel, family members, friends and other stakeholders to celebrate the retiring Generals and recognise their years of dedicated service to Ghana.
The send-off parade is part of the Ghana Armed Forces’ tradition of honouring senior officers at the end of their active military careers and acknowledging their contributions to the development and effectiveness of the institution.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces, Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, commended the eight retiring Generals for their years of dedicated service, leadership and sacrifices to the Ghana Armed Forces and the Republic of Ghana.
Air Vice Marshal Mensah-Larkai acknowledged the contribution of the retiring officers to the growth and effectiveness of the Armed Forces, noting that their careers had formed part of the institution’s continuing history of service to the nation.
He urged the retired officers to remain ambassadors of the Ghana Armed Forces even after leaving active service.
The Chief of Staff also emphasised the importance of maintaining the values, discipline and professionalism associated with military service, encouraging the retiring officers to continue to uphold the reputation of the institution in their post-service lives.
The Special Guest of Honour, Air Marshal Michael Samson Oje, also paid tribute to the eight retiring Generals, reflecting on their years of service and contribution to the Ghana Armed Forces.
Air Marshal Oje recognised the commitment required to serve in the military and encouraged the retiring officers to remain connected to the Armed Forces.
He further urged them to continue sharing their experience, knowledge and expertise in ways that could contribute to national development.
According to him, retirement from active military service should not necessarily mark the end of an officer’s contribution to the country.
The retiring Generals expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces for the honour accorded them at the end of their active service.
Representing the retiring officers, Brigadier General Augustine Asiedu urged the Ghana Armed Forces to uphold integrity, professionalism and loyalty to Ghana.
He said the values shaped their careers and should remain the foundation of the Armed Forces.
He also acknowledged the support received from commanders, colleagues, subordinates, friends and family members throughout their military careers.
The representative said the journey through the ranks had been made possible not only by the commitment of the officers themselves but also by the support of those around them.
The retiring officers also expressed gratitude to their families for the sacrifices, patience and support that enabled them to meet the demands of military service.
They noted that a career in the Armed Forces comes with significant responsibilities and requires commitment, discipline and readiness to serve the country whenever called upon.
The retiring Generals subsequently encouraged serving personnel to remain committed to the core values of the Ghana Armed Forces and to continue serving the nation with professionalism and dedication.
The send-off parade provided an opportunity for the Ghana Armed Forces to formally recognise the careers and contributions of the eight senior officers.
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the event served as a reflection on the responsibilities and sacrifices associated with senior military leadership.
The careers of senior officers often span several decades, involving command responsibilities, operational duties, strategic assignments and contributions to the development of the Armed Forces.
Their departure from active service therefore represents both the conclusion of one chapter and the transition to another.
For the eight retiring Generals, the parade marked the end of their active military careers and the beginning of a new phase of service beyond uniformed duty.
The ceremony also recognised the important role played by families and colleagues in supporting military personnel throughout their careers.
Military service can require personnel to spend extended periods away from their families and to respond to demanding assignments at short notice.
The retiring officers therefore acknowledged the sacrifices made by their spouses, children and other family members during their years of service.
Their colleagues also joined the military high command in celebrating their contribution to the Armed Forces and wishing them well in retirement.
While the send-off formally marks their departure from active military service, the retiring Generals remain part of the wider military family.
Their experience and institutional knowledge represent an important resource that can continue to contribute to national development and the broader security discourse.
The Ghana Armed Forces has over the years maintained links with retired officers, many of whom continue to participate in professional, national and community activities after leaving active service.
The ceremony ended with a formal send-off for the eight retiring Generals, who were honoured by the President of the Republic of Ghana, the military high command, colleagues, family members and the wider military community.
The retiring Generals include; Brigadier General Augustine Asiedu, Brigadier General Augustine Asiedu, Brigadier General Michael Kwadwo Opoku, Brigadier General Selassie Gagakuma and Brigadier General Andrews Seth Mensah Attoh.
The others are; Brigadier General Kweku Dankwa Hagan, Brigadier General Albert Yaw Assiamah, Brigadier General Omari John and Air Commodore Mathias Awuah.
The event marked a significant milestone in their careers and provided an opportunity for the Ghana Armed Forces to celebrate their service while welcoming them into the next chapter of their lives beyond active military duty
