By Grace Zigah
President John Dramani Mahama for the first time in the history of the Republic has announced the appointment of 18 Deputy Heads of Missions, including the immediate past Chief of the Defence Staff, General Thomas Oppong-Peprah as part of a sweeping effort to strengthen Ghana’s diplomatic representation abroad
The appointments, officially communicated in a letter from the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, dated September 11, 2025, signal a renewed focus on expanding the foreign policy reach and improving bilateral relations with key global partners.
The appointments cut across some of the most strategic diplomatic missions, reflecting both regional balance and professional expertise.
According to the presidential directive, the newly designated Deputy Heads of Missions include:
1. Dr. Palmer Appiah-Gyar – Federal Republic of Germany
2. Francisca Patoah Gyarko – Swiss Federation
3. Ben Dotsei Malor – United States of America
4. Harry Zevon (Ph.D.) – People’s Republic of China
5. General Thomas Oppong-Peprah – Canada
6. Sulemana Ibun Iddrissu – Republic of India
7. Aquinas Quansah – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
8. George Harrison – Republic of Korea
9. Jamilatu Amadu – United Arab Emirates
10. Emmanuel Netsey-Afedo – The Netherlands
11. Sophia Karen Edem Ackuaku – Italian Republic
12. Francis Thalamus Doe – Japan
13. Sanni Jajah – Kingdom of Saudi Arabi
14. Kwadwo Agyei-Dwomor – Republic of Türkiye
15. Emmanuel Kamban Panyar – Russian Federation
16. Alhaji Mohammed Seidu Issah Abah – Republic of South Africa
17. Mohammed Ibn Abass – Arab Republic of Egypt
18. Rev. Isaac Clive Mould (Ph.D.) – Kingdom of Denmark
The letter directed the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to “take the necessary steps to facilitate the appointment process” for the listed individuals.
Background And Context
This latest round of diplomatic appointments comes barely ten months into President Mahama’s second term in office, following his victory in the December 2024 general elections.
Since assuming office, the President’s administration has emphasized economic diplomacy, trade partnerships, and diaspora engagement as central pillars of its foreign agenda.
The appointment of experienced figures like Ben Dotsei Malor, a renowned communication strategist and former presidential spokesperson, and General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, a retired Chief of Defence Staff, underscores the government’s intent to combine diplomatic finesse with strategic security experience.
Political and Public Reactions
While the appointments have been largely welcomed within diplomatic circles as a sign of continuity and competence, some political watchers note that the inclusion of figures such as General Oppong-Peprah — who served under former President Akufo-Addo — could reignite public debate about the politicization of the armed forces.
A pressure group calling itself Friends of Oppong-Peprah recently urged the retired general to reject the deputy high commissioner appointment, arguing that it undermines his dignity as the former CDS of the Ghana Armed Forces.
They argued that all former CDS who got Ambassadorial appointments were substantive Ambassadors citing Lt Gen Akafia who was appointed by the Kufuor administration to Egypt as Ghana envoy; Lt Gen Obed Boamah Akwa was appointed Ambassador to Egypt by the Akufo-Addo administration and Vice Admiral Seth Amoama was also posted to Nigeria as the High Commissioner until recalled John Mahama in February.
Since returning to power, President Mahama has made over 50 diplomatic and administrative appointments across the foreign missions.
Meanwhile, a pressure group calling itself Friends of Oppong-Peprah issued a strongly worded statement on October 8, 2025, describing the position as “demeaning” and “inconsistent with the high esteem traditionally accorded to former Chiefs of Defence Staff.”
The group argued that past CDS officers were appointed as substantive Ambassadors or High Commissioners, not deputies, and urged General Oppong-Peprah to reject the offer “to preserve the dignity of the Ghana Armed Forces.”
“To appoint a former CDS as a deputy rather than a substantive High Commissioner is a profound act of disrespect to the institution of the Ghana Armed Forces,” the statement read.
“Should financial considerations influence his decision, we are ready to mobilize resources to support him in retirement — so that he may retire in honour,” it added.
Social Media Reactions
The controversy quickly spilled onto social media, where NPP-aligned accounts and sympathizers expressed fury over the appointment.
One viral Facebook post accused President Mahama of “disrespecting General Oppong-Peprah twice” — first by sacking him and then by offering him what they described as a “junior diplomatic role.”
“Four-star General Oppong-Peprah, why do you allow yourself for John Mahama and his NDC to disrespect you again? He sacked you and 16 others without due process and now gives you Deputy High Commissioner because of global backlash,” one comment read.
