Accra, Feb. 2, GNA – The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has introduced new badges of rank for officers of General rank and equivalent.

This covers Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General and General for the Army.

That of the Navy covers Commodore, Rear Admiral, Admiral and Vice Admiral.

In the Air Force it covers Air Commodore, Air Vice Marshal, Air Marshal and Marshal.

A statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel E Aggrey-Quashie for Director of Public Relations said the new badges of rank for the Army took effect from January 27, 2012. The Navy introduced the new rank badges in November 2010, while the Ghana Air Force would commence its usage at a later date.

It said earlier in 2003, the Brigadier and equivalent rank was re-designated and upgraded in status to Brigadier General and equivalent.

The new rank badges/insignia have been adopted to easily identify and distinguish the General ranks and to correspond to the star recognition of the General ranks worldwide.

The badges depicting the new ranks are for Brigadier General and equivalent, the Ghana Coat of Arms, crossed sword and baton, and a star.

For Major General and equivalent the badge of rank consists of the Coat of Arms, crossed sword and baton, and two stars. For Lieutenant General the badge of rank consists of the Coat of Arms, crossed sword and baton, and three stars. For General the badge of rank consists of the Coat of Arms, crossed sword and baton, and four stars.

The Brigadier General and equivalent will now wear the gold leaf gorget and also wear the woven Oakleaf Cap Badge, which were only worn by Major Generals and above and equivalent.