Stephen Otu

Stephen J. A. Otu
Born 15 October 1915
Died 1979 (aged 6364)[1]
Allegiance Ghana
Service/branch Ghana army
Rank Major General
Commands held Chief of the Defence Staff

Major General Stephen J. A. Otu (23 October 1915 – 1979) was a former Chief of the Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces. He was the first Ghanaian officer to serve in this capacity.

Career

Stephen Otu was the second Ghanaian to become the Chief of Army Staff in October 1962, a position he occupied until July 1965 when the army headquarters became annexed to the Ministry of Defence.[2] He also became the first Ghanaian officer to become the Chief of Defence Staff when the British army personnel were scaled down in 1961.[3] He took over from Major General Henry Templer Alexander, a career British officer.[4]

References

  1. Uwechue, R.; Limited, A.B. (1991). Makers of Modern Africa. Africa Journal Limited. ISSN 0261-1570. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  2. "Past Army Commanders / Chiefs of Army Staff". Official website. Ghana Armed Forces. February 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
  3. "Volume 4 Chapter 1 - The Security Services". National Reconciliation Committee report. Ghana government. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
  4. "Past General Officers Commanding /chiefs of the Defence Staff". Official website. Ghana Armed Forces. 6 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
Military offices
Preceded by
Brigadier J. A. Ankrah
Chief of Army Staff
1962 – 1965
Succeeded by
Major General C. M. Barwah
Preceded by
Major General Henry Templer Alexander
Chief of the Defence Staff
1961 – 1965
Succeeded by
Major General Nathan A. Aferi