By James Amoh Junior
Accra, May 9, GNA – Major General Richard Addo Gyane, the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Thursday bowed out of active service in a Change of Command Ceremony.
It marks the end of his distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades.
The ceremony, held at the KAIPTC in Accra, saw the symbolic transfer of authority to Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, who will assume leadership of the Centre.
Dignitaries including government officials, military top brass, international partners, and staff of KAIPTC, and families gathered to honour General Gyane’s exceptional contributions to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Centre’s growth.
The ceremony began with a solemn guard of honour parade, a traditional military tribute to honour Major General Gyane’s distinguished service.
There was a formal signing of the handover certificate, symbolizing the smooth transition of leadership to Air Commodore David Akrong.
A highlight of the occasion was a special video exhibition that chronicled General Gyane’s transformative tenure, showcasing his key achievements and impactful engagements during his time as Commandant of KAIPTC.
Maj Gen Gyane, was among some two-star Generals released honourably from the service, in accordance with Ghana Armed Forces regulations by the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Major General William Agyapong, who said it was to aid command and control in the Armed Forces.
In his farewell speech, he reflected on his journey from a young Flight Cadet in 1985 to becoming the first non-Infantry officer to rise to the rank of Major General in the GAF.
His career was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including being the first non-Infantry officer to command Army Headquarters and later serving as Director-General of Plans, Research, and Development (DG PR&D).
“I came face to face with the limitations of command and rank structure as an EME Officer, but by dint of hard work, I broke the proverbial glass ceiling,” he said.
His rise through the ranks, he noted, was a testament to meritocracy and dedication.
Maj Gen Gyane urged his successor, Air Commodore Akrong, to remain resilient in the face of challenges, quoting a Chinese proverb: “The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed.”
To the youth, he advised, “Work hard, stand by your beliefs, and be bold to speak truth to power. Greed will always be exposed, so put the interests of others above personal comfort.”
Maj Gen Gyane expressed his enduring connection to KAIPTC, saying “Though I leave in the flesh, my spirit and prayers remain with this Centre.”
Appointed Commandant in November 2022, General Gyane took the helm of KAIPTC at a challenging time when the Centre was grappling with financial constraints exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Undeterred, he spearheaded infrastructural and institutional reforms that revitalized the Centre.
Under his leadership, KAIPTC witnessed the rehabilitation of key facilities, including the iconic main gate, the multi-purpose court, and the Women Youth Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI) block.
He also initiated the establishment of a Digital Learning and Innovation Unit, expanded e-learning programmes, and laid the groundwork for an Undergraduate School focused on peacebuilding.
His tenure also saw the elevation of the WYPSI to a full-fledged department, reflecting his commitment to inclusivity and youth empowerment.
General Gyane paid glowing tribute to his mentors, including Generals Odotei, Adinkrah, and the late Lt Col Barrigah, whose guidance, he said, shaped his career.
He also expressed deep gratitude to his wife, Gifty, and their four children for their unwavering support. “My wife has been my confidante and pillar through turbulent times. She deserves a special round of applause,” he said, eliciting a standing ovation.
A citation by the Centre, read by Ms. Horname Noagbesenu, the Director of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Department (PPMED), lauded General Gyane as a visionary leader who transformed KAIPTC into a globally recognized hub for peace and security training.
It highlighted his administrative acumen, open-door policy, and initiatives such as the health insurance scheme for staff and the annual staff retreat, which boosted morale.
“Major General Gyane’s impeccable service has left an indelible mark on KAIPTC. His legacy is one of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity,” the citation read.
They described his tenure, “though brief” as a period of remarkable progress that elevated KAIPTC’s global standing as a hub for peace and security training.
A key highlight of the citation was General Gyane’s administrative prowess, honed through his advanced education, including a Doctorate in Business Administration.
His strategic reforms, such as restructuring KAIPTC’s governance and commercializing courses, were credited with ensuring the Centre’s financial sustainability.
The citation also praised his commitment to staff welfare, citing the introduction of health insurance, salary upgrades, and annual retreats as measures that boosted morale and productivity.
His efforts to mainstream gender and youth empowerment in peacebuilding were hailed as a lasting legacy.
The Centre further described him as a “leader who lit candles rather than cursed darkness,” leaving KAIPTC stronger and more innovative.
GNA
CA