The Ambassador of France to Ghana, Diarra Dimé Labille, has awarded the former Chief of Defence Staff (Rtd) General Thomas Oppong‑Peprah the Ordre National du Mérite, Insigne de “Commandeur,” in recognition of his exceptional military leadership both at home and in international peacekeeping operations.
Ambassador Diarra conferred the prestigious honour on General Oppong‑Peprah on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron during a ceremony held at the residence of the French Ambassador in Cantonments, Accra. The event brought together senior military officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests to celebrate a career defined by service and partnership.
In her address, Ambassador Diarra explained that the Ordre National du Mérite was established in 1963 by General Charles de Gaulle, the first President of the Fifth Republic of France, to reward distinguished merit in both civil and military life. She noted that the elevation of General Oppong‑Peprah to the rank of Commandeur reflects not only his personal achievements but also the strong defence cooperation between France and Ghana.
The award symbolizes recognition of Ghana’s enduring role in promoting peace and security, particularly through its contributions to regional stability and multinational missions. Ambassador Diarra pointed out that this honour strengthens the bonds of friendship and shared commitment between the two nations.
General Oppong‑Peprah, in his acceptance remarks, expressed deep gratitude for the distinguished recognition and warm appreciation to President Emmanuel Macron and the government of France. He remarked that the honour was a source of pride not only for him but for the entire Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
He dedicated the award to the retired and serving officers, non‑commissioned officers, soldiers, and defence civilian staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, acknowledging their professionalism, sacrifice, and collective contribution to national and international security objectives.
During his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff from 2019 to 2023, General Oppong‑Peprah oversaw significant operational reforms that strengthened Ghana’s military readiness. He led the implementation of a comprehensive capability enhancement program that improved logistics, intelligence systems, and rapid reaction forces across the three branches of the GAF.
Under his leadership, the Ghana Armed Forces successfully reclaimed and secured territories threatened by extremist groups in the northern regions, reducing violent incidents by double digits within a two‑year period. His strategy reinforced the coordination among the Army, Air Force, and Navy, enabling faster and more effective responses to security threats.
General Oppong‑Peprah also prioritized professional military education. He expanded partnerships with international institutions, including the United States Army War College and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, facilitating advanced command and staff courses for over 200 Ghanaian officers, significantly boosting the leadership capacity within the GAF.
He strengthened Ghana’s role in United Nations peacekeeping missions, overseeing the deployment of more than 4,000 Ghanaian troops to operations in Mali, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Under his guidance, Ghanaian contingents were recognized for maintaining discipline, protecting civilians, and achieving mission objectives in complex environments.
General Oppong‑Peprah also championed initiatives to improve welfare for military personnel and their families. He supervised reforms that increased housing support, expanded medical services, and established educational programs for service members’ children, contributing to overall morale and retention within the Ghana Armed Forces.
In closing, General Oppong‑Peprah reiterated that effective defence leadership requires vision, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. He called on Ghana’s strategic partners to continue supporting capacity‑building and joint defence efforts, emphasizing that sustained investment in security remains essential for national progress and regional stability.
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