Brigadier General Joshua Amanor Takes Over as Central Command GOC
The former Commander of the Army Training Command, ATRAC, Brigadier General Joshua Amanor, has been appointed as the General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He was formally introduced to the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace on Friday, July 24, 2026, by the outgoing GOC, Brigadier General Albert Sison-Ogaja, who has been appointed as Defence Advisor to Ethiopia.
Tribute to the Asantehene
Introducing his successor, Brig. Gen. Ogaja recounted his tenure in the region and expressed gratitude for the counsel and blessings of the Asantehene, which he said made his tenure a success.
“I must confess and admit that His Majesty has given me more than I requested and expected. You have adopted me as a son. You have guided my command with good counsel.
“You have opened the doors of Manhyia to me, and I could always walk in at any time to see you. I cannot thank you enough for your fatherly care and your kind-heartedness,” he said.
Achievements
He also listed his achievements, including enhancing the training capacity of personnel in the Command, which he said improved discipline and earned the Central Command a historic victory in the Exercise Tiger Path Drills Competition.
He further highlighted improvements in logistics and infrastructure within the Command.
Successor
He described his successor as capable and competent.
“I am handing over the command to a very capable officer, a very professional officer by all standards. He is even more inclined to training than I am, so I believe he is going to build on what I have started, and he is also going to maintain the relationship between the Command and Manhyia,” he stated.
Guarantee of Security
The incoming GOC, whose appointment will officially take effect after a handing-over ceremony on July 31, 2026, assured the Asantehene of his commitment to security within Asanteman.
According to him, the Command will uphold its mission under his leadership with the collaboration of the Manhyia Palace.
Seeking the blessing of Otumfuo ahead of his mandate, Brig. Gen. Amanor pledged to seek counsel whenever the need arises.
“I am here to assure you that the mission of the Central Command will not change under my leadership. We will continue to be the sentinel of social order and guarantor of security in your kingdom.
“This we are going to do with your support. I am here to seek your blessings. I also know you play a major role in peace-building, and so I may be the GOC, but you are the Commander General for peace. I will run to you whenever I need your counsel. I assure you that I will step into the shoes of my senior officer and do whatever is possible for peace in your kingdom,” he said.
Otumfuo’s Response
Otumfuo commended the leadership of Brig. Gen. Ogaja and expressed confidence in his new mandate in Ethiopia.
“His hard work has earned him this feat. I am confident that he will do exploits there as well and honour the image of Ghana out there. I will continue to support him with prayers,” he said.
Welcoming the new GOC, Otumfuo said his doors are open to him at all times and encouraged him to live up to expectations.
The King also expressed hope that discussions surrounding the stalled Afari Hospital would be successfully concluded to ensure its expedited completion and operationalisation.
The delegation included Osabarima Appau Bonsu Bonsu II, Amantimhene; Brigadier General Richard Naam, Commander of the Afari Military Hospital; Naval Captain Rubby Elikem; and Lt. Col. Emmanuel Wumbei Dow, Commanding Officer of the 4 Infantry Battalio
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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