By Daniel Bampoe
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, has publicly responded to the growing social media backlash and speculation following his recent honour by the French government, firmly rejecting claims and insinuations that question his loyalty to Ghana.
According to him, no spy goes to an Embassy to be decorated publicly, as being tagged by some aliens to tarnish his hard-earned reputation over the years.
The retired General’s response comes in the wake of the political transition from the administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the second term of John Dramani Mahama—a shift that has seen several security appointments reviewed and, in some cases, reversed.
Against this backdrop, some online commentators had cast doubt on the legitimacy of the French recognition, with a fringe suggesting it pointed to external allegiances by tagging him as a “Spy”.
However, in a detailed statement issued by his outfit, General Oppong-Peprah dismissed such claims as “uncivilised” and unfounded, explaining that the honour was rooted in a longstanding international tradition of recognising military excellence and leadership among alumni of foreign military institutions.
A Distinguished Career Rooted In Professionalism
The statement traces the origins of the recognition back to 2009, when then Lieutenant Colonel Oppong-Peprah was selected by the Government of Ghana to undertake a prestigious military course in France—becoming the first Ghanaian officer to attend and excel in that particular programme.
It explained that countries such as France and the United States routinely honour foreign military officers who rise through the ranks to lead their national armed forces, provided they demonstrate exceptional professionalism, innovation, and commitment to democratic values.
These attributes, the statement noted, must be evident in their leadership across training, operations, logistics, and personnel welfare.
Meanwhile, the statement further clarified that to qualify for such recognition, an officer must have attended a foreign military institution, returned to serve in their home country, risen through the ranks to the highest level of command, and exhibited exemplary character and professionalism throughout their career.
General Oppong-Peprah’s recognition, therefore, aligns with a broader tradition that has seen other Ghanaian and international military leaders celebrated globally.
Among such figures is General Seth Obeng, a former Chief of Defence Staff who was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the US Army Command and General Staff College. Similarly, Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, received the same honour from the institution.
Transformational Leadership
The statement further highlights General Oppong-Peprah’s significant contributions during his tenure as Chief of the Army Staff and later as Chief of the Defence Staff.
Under his leadership, the Ghana Army underwent notable expansion, particularly in response to emerging security threats in the northern regions. New military units and barracks were established to strengthen counter-terrorism operations, addressing a critical gap where previously the nearest military presence to Ghana’s northern borders was over five and a half hours’ drive from Tamale.
He also spearheaded the establishment of the Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS) at Bundase, which remarkably secured United Nations certification within just two years. The facility was upgraded with modern accommodation, replacing outdated tent structures.
In addition, he founded the Army Special Forces Brigade, positioning it for international collaborations and training exercises in countries including the United Kingdom, Morocco, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The General’s tenure also prioritised personnel welfare, with housing projects executed across several garrisons through a combination of self-help initiatives and sponsorships. These developments spanned multiple locations including Mognori, Damongo, Daboya, Sunyani, Bui, Dokorkyina, and Accra.
International Peacekeeping And Global Recognition
General Oppong-Peprah’s international footprint is equally notable. He participated in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, Western Sahara, the Aouzou Strip in Chad, and during the Rwandan crisis—experiences that reinforced his credentials as a global military professional.
It was this combination of operational experience, leadership, and institutional development that qualified him for the prestigious Commander of the National Order of Merit of France.
On March 19, 2026, he formally received the Ordre National du Mérite, Insigne de Commandeur from the French Ambassador to Ghana, Diarra Dimé Labille, at a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s residence in Cantonments, Accra. The award recognised his exceptional leadership, particularly in peacekeeping missions, and his service as Ghana’s Chief of Defence Staff.
Reaffirming Loyalty
Amid the controversy, General Oppong-Peprah has used the moment to reaffirm his allegiance to Ghana, stressing that his recognition by France is a reflection of merit, professionalism, and decades of dedicated service—not divided loyalty.
Now appointed as Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner to Canada, the retired General maintains that his career has always been guided by national interest, discipline, and international cooperation—values he says remain unchanged.
