Minister of Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah has dismissed the claim that government has released 15 Army Generals from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. Ntim Fordjour in Parliament on June 11, 2025 questioned the Defence Minister to provide the rationale behind the release of 15 Army Generals from the Ghana Armed Forces.
Ntim Fordjour referred to a press release by the Ghana Armed Forces dated April 30, 2025 to buttress his claim which he said had announced the discharge of these soldiers.
But Dr. Omane Boamah in answering the question on the floor of the House explained that out of the number, 8 Army Generals have reached the compulsory retirement age of 63 years and processes are in place for them to proceed on retirement.
He noted that three others are on special duties with two working with the United Nations.
According to Dr. Omane Boamah, only four of these Army Generals have been released, which he justified is in accordance with “time-tested precedence” to sustain the Ghana Armed Forces.
“I have submitted here that out of the 12, 8 have reached retirement threshold, that is the reality on the ground. The fact is all 15 Generals, two star and above have not been released from the Ghana Armed Forces as your question alluded.
“8 have reached the compulsory retirement age and they have been processed for their terminal leaves pending release. Only four will fall in the category that you have mentioned and I have also stated here that three of them, one has been appointed by this administration as the Acting President National Defence University in Ghana and two are serving with the UN,” he said.
The three Army General on special duties are; Major General Robert Afram who is serving currently as Deputy Force Commander with the United Nations Missions in South Sudan.
Major General Anita Asmah is also serving currently as Force Commander, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force whiles Air Vice Marshal Felix Asante has been appointed as the Acting President National Defence University in Ghana.
Dr. Omane Boamah stressed that unlike the New Patriotic Party government under former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2005 which released seven Army Generals whose compulsory retirement age were not due at the time, President Mahama’s government has maintained these Army Generals and promoted some serve in higher capacities.
