A pressure group calling itself the Friends of Oppong Peprah has issued a strong statement opposing the government’s reported appointment of General (Rtd.) Thomas Oppong Peprah, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as the Deputy High Commissioner to Canada.

In a press release dated October 8, 2025, the group described the appointment as “deeply inappropriate, demeaning, and inconsistent with the high esteem traditionally accorded to former Chiefs of Defence Staff.”

While acknowledging the government’s prerogative to make diplomatic appointments, the group argued that the decision represents a sharp departure from precedent, noting that all previous Chiefs of Defence Staff were given substantive ambassadorial roles after retirement.

“To appoint Major General Oppong Peprah as a Deputy rather than a substantive High Commissioner is not only a departure from precedent but also a profound act of disrespect to the institution of the Ghana Armed Forces,” the statement read.

The group contended that the move constitutes a “personal embarrassment” to General Oppong Peprah, who they say served Ghana with “unparalleled discipline, loyalty, and honour.”

They warned that such treatment could send a negative message to serving officers about how the nation rewards meritorious service.

The Friends of Oppong Peprah further appealed to the retired military chief to decline the appointment, urging him to do so “in the interest of preserving the dignity of the Ghana Armed Forces and the integrity of his illustrious career.”

In an unusual show of support, the group pledged to provide financial backing to the retired general should post-retirement welfare concerns influence his decision.

“We stand fully prepared to mobilise the necessary resources to support him in retirement — so that he may retire in honour,” the group stated.