Chief of the Defence Staff (Ghana)

Chief of the Defence Staff
Armed forces coat of arms
Incumbent
Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah
since 1 February 2024
Ministry of Defence
StyleSir
AbbreviationCDS
Member ofthe Defence Staff
Reports toMinister of Defence
ResidenceBurma Camp
AppointerPresident of Ghana
in consultation with the Council of State of Ghana
Constituting instrumentGhana constitution - Article 214
Formation1954
First holderAlexander G. V. Paley
WebsiteOfficial website

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) is the professional head of the Ghana Armed Forces. He is thus responsible for the administration and the operational control and command of the Ghana military.[1] The CDS is a member of the Armed Forces Council.[2] This council advice the President of Ghana on matters of policy relating to defence and also regulates the administration of the Armed Forces. It also advises the President on the promotion of all officers above the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel or its equivalent.[3]

The CDS is appointed by the President, in consultation with the Council of State of Ghana.[4]

The current CDS is Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah. He was appointed by President Akuffo-Addo in January 2024.

  1. ^ 1992 Ghana constitution - Article 213
  2. ^ 1992 Ghana Constitution - Article 211.
  3. ^ 1992 Ghana constitution - Article 214
  4. ^ 1992 Ghana constitution - Article 212 (1)(a)