Ghana's Deputy High Commissioner Faces Tough Questions Over 23 Properties

Thomas Oppong Peprah, Ghana's Deputy High Commissioner to Canada and former Chief of Defence Staff, is at the centre of a growing controversy over his personal wealth. Investigative reports have detailed a property portfolio of 23 houses across Ghana, the UK, Dubai and the US, raising serious questions about asset declaration and accountability.

The former military chief has responded with legal threats rather than answers, demanding a retraction and apology from The New Republic newspaper. But for many Ghanaians watching closely, the real issue is simple: if the wealth is legitimately inherited, why avoid the questions?

What We Know About the Properties

The investigative reporting paints a detailed picture of significant assets acquired during and after his military service:

• A $1.3 million mansion in Airport Hills, purchased in cash while serving as Chief of Defence Staff, with an additional $1 million spent on renovations
• Properties in Cantonments, East Legon and the Mayfair Estate in Tse-Addo, including two four-bedroom houses, one gifted to his wife Agnes
• A £750,000 holiday home in the UK
• Properties in Dubai paid for in cash through a proxy
• His wife's separate portfolio of three properties in Ohio, USA, including a $1.4 million home
• A fleet of luxury vehicles including a Range Rover, bullet-proof Lexus and Mercedes-Benz

Why Asset Declaration Matters

Under Ghana's asset declaration law, public officials including the Chief of Defence Staff are required to declare their assets to the Auditor General. The New Republic reports that none of these properties were declared.

Peprah has insisted he was born into wealth, pointing to his father's transport company, Tommy Brothers Transport. In a telephone interview, he said:

I was born to a rich father. The fact is that I'm a made-up person myself. I don't need to go to anybody to beg for money.

The APC Procurement Scandal

Beyond the property questions lies the matter of the acquisition of 20 BTR-70 armoured personnel carriers for the Ghana Armed Forces at a cost of US$8.8 million. Investigators reportedly found that while procurement documents claimed the vehicles were manufactured in 2002, they were in fact built in 1972. Production of the BTR-70 ceased in 1984.

The vehicles reportedly arrived in deteriorated condition, with rusted bodies, missing radiators and absent primary heavy machine guns. Many remain unserviceable at the Recce Regiment in Burma Camp.

Peprah has deflected responsibility, insisting the procurement was initiated under his predecessor. However, he confirmed to the newspaper that an investigative board was constituted and that President John Dramani Mahama had been briefed, even as official statements denied any probe exists.

What Happens Next for Ghana's Accountability Drive?

This case comes at a time when Ghana is pushing for greater transparency in public office. The government's reform agenda includes strengthening institutions and ensuring that public officials are held to the highest standards.

The questions raised here go beyond one individual. They speak to the broader need for accountability systems that work, for asset declaration laws that are enforced, and for a culture where public service is about serving, not accumulating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thomas Oppong Peprah accused of?

He faces questions over 23 properties acquired while serving as Chief of Defence Staff and in subsequent roles, which were reportedly never declared under Ghana's asset declaration law. He is also linked to the controversial procurement of armoured personnel carriers for the Ghana Armed Forces.

Has Thomas Oppong Peprah responded to the allegations?

He has denied wrongdoing, stating he inherited his wealth from his father. His lawyers have demanded a retraction and apology from The New Republic, threatening legal action over the investigative reporting.

What is the APC procurement scandal about?

The Ghana Armed Forces acquired 20 BTR-70 armoured personnel carriers for US$8.8 million. Investigators allege the vehicles were manufactured in 1972, not 2002 as claimed in procurement documents, and arrived in deteriorated condition.

What are the implications for Ghana's governance?

The case highlights the importance of enforcing asset declaration laws and strengthening accountability mechanisms for public officials. It also underscores the need for transparent procurement processes in state institutions.

The public deserves clear answers. The door remains open for the Deputy High Commissioner to address these questions directly. Accountability is not a threat to leadership; it is the foundation of it.