The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah has held an End-of-Year reception in a spirited celebration of unity and health at Burma Camp on Tuesday 31 December 2024.

The event was aimed at fostering camaraderie among Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) personnel. It began with a health walk through Burma Camp, followed by recreational activities at the Sports Complex.

The Chief of the Defence Staff in his address expressed gratitude for life and observed a moment of silence for fallen comrades. He praised GAF for maintaining national peace and security. He described the historic appointment of Major General Anita Asmah, the first African Female Force Commander in a UN mission as one of the highlights of the year.

He noted that the year has also seen the establishment of the National Defense University and the procurement of new vehicles for operations.

The reception was crowned with an awards ceremony to honour Officers, Soldiers and Defence Civilian Staff who emerged winners in the annual CDS Prize Essay Competition. In the officers' category, Squadron Leader Frederick Doegah of the Airforce Headquarters won the top prize followed by Lieutenant Commander Joshua Arhin of the Navy Headquarters and Sub Lieutenant Patience Owusu-Ansah of the Department of Public Relations.

In the Soldiers' category, Leading Aircraftman Lydia Arhin took the first position followed by Corporal Brago Agyie Naomi and Leading Seaman Kusi Ebenezer, respectively.