Mahama fulfils pledge, presents vehicles to retired military commanders

President John Dramani Mahama has fulfilled his pledge to the immediate past Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Thomas Oppong-Peprah (Rtd), and former Service Commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) by presenting each of them with a Toyota Land Cruiser following the withdrawal of armoured vehicles previously allocated to them as part of their retirement benefits .

The vehicles were officially handed over by the current CDS, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, on behalf of the President at the General Headquarters of the GAF in Accra on Friday, July 31, 2026 .

The presentation fulfils a commitment made by President Mahama after the armoured vehicles earlier granted to the retired commanders were withdrawn . The gesture underscores the government’s commitment to recognising the dedicated service and sacrifices of former commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces .

Controversial Withdrawal of Armoured Vehicles

The development follows a controversy that erupted in March 2025 when it emerged that five armoured Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GXR vehicles, valued at approximately US$1.425 million, had been procured under the directive of the outgoing CDS without proper governmental authorisation .

Investigations revealed that the vehicles, which were supposed to be added to the military fleet, were instead delivered to the residences of the retiring senior officers . The procurement was allegedly financed through the Peace Support Operations Account, and questions were raised about the authority of the CDS to approve military acquisitions exceeding US$500,000 .

Further scrutiny exposed discrepancies in the procurement, including price inflation and the delivery of vehicles that did not meet the specified requirements. While Messrs Ramelsco Company Ltd had won the bid with a lower quotation, the contract was reportedly awarded to another supplier at an inflated cost . Following the exposé, President Mahama directed the immediate recovery of the vehicles .

Handover Ceremony

Addressing the retired Service Commanders during the handover, Lt Gen Agyapong expressed appreciation for their invaluable contributions to national security and the growth of the GAF . He also briefed them on ongoing infrastructure projects, welfare interventions, and other strategic initiatives currently being implemented to modernise and strengthen the armed forces .

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe (Rtd), expressed profound gratitude to President Mahama for honouring his promise. He described the gesture as a demonstration of the President’s genuine concern for the well-being of retired military personnel .

Air Marshal Bekoe further commended the leadership of the GAF, led by Lt Gen William Agyapong, for the various reforms and development initiatives being undertaken to enhance the operational effectiveness and welfare of personnel .