President John Dramani Mahama and other senior government officials including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin joined his fellow alumni of St. Augustine’s College to pay their respects to the late Lt. Gen. Arnold Quainoo, former Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, during his final funeral rites held at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Burma Camp on Friday, February 7, 2025.
The solemn ceremony brought together dignitaries, military officials, and loved ones to celebrate the life and legacy of one of Ghana’s most distinguished military leaders.
Lt. Gen. Quainoo, nicknamed ‘Buffalo Soldier’ served as Chief of Defence Staff during the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era under former President Jerry John Rawlings, and was widely revered for his pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s military history.
He also made significant contributions to regional peacekeeping efforts, notably serving as the first Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) commander during the Liberian civil war in 1990.
His leadership during this turbulent period earned him international acclaim and solidified his reputation as a stalwart of peace and stability in West Africa.
The funeral service was attended by a host of prominent figures, including members of the Rawlings family, retired and serving top military generals, and government officials.
Some notable ones include the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, and Major-General Henry Anyidoho (Retired).
The presence of the Rawlings family underscored the close ties between Lt. Gen. Quainoo and former President Jerry John Rawlings, under whose administration he served with distinction.
Lt. Gen. Arnold Quainoo’s passing marks the end of an era for Ghana’s military history, but his legacy as a peacekeeper, strategist, and mentor will endure.
