Otumfuo’s Support Unprecedented in My 30-Year Military Service – Brigadier General Opoku

Brigadier General Michael Opoku stood before the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Friday afternoon filled with gratitude as His Majesty bid him farewell after he brought his work mandate at the Central Command to an end.

The immediate past General Officer Commanding the Central Command poured out heartfelt gratitude at the Manhyia Palace as he recounted how his mandate, like never before, had been made easier thanks to the kind courtesy of Otumfuo.

According to him, it was effortless with Otumfuo always having his back.

He testified that he had never tasted such help in his over three decades of service in the military.

“I immensely thank Otumfuo. Since I assumed office, His Majesty has been very supportive in all my operations. He facilitated my mandate. Wherever I found difficulty, His Majesty intervened and made the path smooth. I hadn’t enjoyed this kind of support in my entire 30 years’ career.”

Before his appointment as the GOC of the Central Command, he said assistance was a word unknown to him.

“All those years, I depended solely on my own strength but in the past one year and two months, almost everything I did was with the counsel and direction of Otumfuo.”

Despite the fact that he has been transferred to the regional capital, he has committed to continuing to serve the Occupant of the Golden Stool.

“When I first came here, I dedicated myself to the service of His Majesty. Though I am leaving, I will continue to serve him till my Maker calls me. I thank the whole of Asanteman for facilitating my work.”

Records from the Central Command indicate that Brigadier General Opoku prioritised the welfare of military officers under his command as the GOC.

This drove his comprehensive addition to the facilities’ credentials.

“Soldiers’ welfare was his priority. As soon as he assumed office, fire gutted a residence of officers. He immediately rebuilt it. Another had its roofs ripped off and he replaced it in no time.

“He has advanced 30-man accommodation to 70% completion. He has built a forward and operating base at Sankore, Kenyasi No1, and another to begin in Yamfori,” Colonel Ansah Akrofi, the outgoing Command Operations Officer, outlined.

New GOC
Brigadier General Albert Ogaja, who has replaced Brigadier General Opoku, was introduced to Otumfuo on May 23, 2025.

He expressed his honour and eagerness to serve and be a son of the Asante Kingdom as the new GOC.

“I’ve come here to serve and I’m honoured to do so but I cannot do so without the blessings of Otumfuo. I have come to submit myself for his benediction and blessing. Having submitted also, it means I submit myself to be a son of the Kingdom. I pray that Otumfuo takes me as his son and gives me the support that I need to serve the Ashanti Region, Ghana, and all the entire regions.”

Commendation
Otumfuo patted the outgoing leader for his commitment and service as he expressed satisfaction with it.

“Brigadier General Opoku has been prompt on issues going on within the command. He has served. Indeed, he did a great job.”

His Majesty further urged him to tackle his new mandate in all humility, assuring, “I will support him with prayers so he becomes successful.”

Welcome
Welcoming the successor, Otumfuo certified his adoption as one of his grandsons.

“I welcome my grandson who has now come. I want him to know I am his grandfather and this Palace is home.”

His Majesty enlightened him about the technicalities of chieftaincy disputes within the jurisdiction of the Central Command and urged him to trigger appropriate means of dealing with such issues.

“The Central Command, which includes Bono and Ahafo, are all part of my jurisdiction. Within our power, what we can do for peace relates to chieftaincy. When such issues arise, no one will be allowed to use intimidation to cheat or subvert the right way. We will use truth to resolve it. When anything of that sort comes up, consult me then we use the appropriate means to deal with it. The rest of security issues are in your care.”

The Asantehene also reminded him about the human-centredness of his mandate and urged him to exhibit respect.

Additionally, he warned him about the manipulation that some persons may attempt using his name.

“Don’t let people manipulate you with my name. If I have anything to tell you, I will call you to tell you. I won’t send anyone to tell you anything.”

Story by Hajara Fuseini