Ghana Armed Forces embraces legacy under new leadership

A proverb from Ghana wisely states, “When you drink from the stream, remember those who dug the well.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the Ghana Armed Forces under the current leadership of Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. William Agyepong. A refreshing spirit of reconnecting the present military command with its past is evident, with former commanders of all ranks receiving notable recognition.

This gesture is particularly significant in a profession where command changes frequently, and past leaders can easily be forgotten. While the achievements of the current CDS are judged on their own merit, it is equally important to acknowledge the foundation inherited from those who served before. Military leadership, like any leadership, is a continuum; one commander may lay the groundwork, another builds upon it, and another completes the structure.

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When you drink from the stream, remember those who dug the well.

This recognition of past commanders is more than a mere courtesy; it affirms that leadership is a shared legacy. Another African proverb reminds us that “a tree does not stand without its roots.” The Ghana Armed Forces of today stands on the roots of generations of commanders and soldiers who served under challenging circumstances, often with limited resources and little public acknowledgment.

Commendably, the current CDS has recognized this reality. Particularly striking are the gestures towards Junior Ranks. The reported presentation of new vehicles to outgoing soldiers and personal visits to veterans in their homes send a powerful message: service is valued beyond senior office. This inclusive approach acknowledges that every soldier contributes to the final outcome, recognizing that while officers direct, soldiers execute, and the weight of the task often falls on the Other Ranks.

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a tree does not stand without its roots.