President John Dramani Mahama sharing a handshake with Afenyo-Markin
The funeral of former Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Arnold Quainoo, brought together some key political and military figures at the St Catherine Catholic Church at Burma Camp on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Among those in attendance was the former First lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and other key political figures, including the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, who was seen sharing a handshake with President John Dramani Mahama during the ceremony.
In the video shared across multiple media platforms on social media, the two leaders, both dressed in mourning attire, were captured engaging in a brief but cordial exchange as they paid their last respects to the late military officer.
“While their conversations were not exactly audible, President Mahama could be heard clearly saying ‘Thank you’ to the Minority Leader, while still shaking hands.
Lieutenant General Arnold Quainoo was a towering figure in Ghana’s military history, known for his leadership and contributions to national and regional security.
His distinguished career saw him serve twice as Army Commander, first in 1979, following the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) coup that ousted the Supreme Military Council.
With the return to constitutional rule in 1981, under President Hilla Limann, Quainoo was replaced, but after the coup that brought the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) to power, he was reappointed as Chief of Army Staff.
His career reached its peak when he succeeded Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings as Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), serving from August 25, 1983, to September 22, 1989.
During this period, he played a pivotal role in maintaining stability within the military at a time of significant political upheaval.
Lieutenant General Quainoo passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to Ghana’s armed forces.
Watch the video of Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin shaking the hands of President John Dramani Mahama below :
Minority Leader, Alexander – Afenyo Markin exchanges pleasantries with President John Dramani Mahama at the burial service of former Chief of Defense Staff, General Arnold K. Quainoo.#TV3GH pic.twitter.com/borEgkN7v7
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) February 7, 2025
JKB/AE
Meanwhile, watch the Special Committee Investigating Chaos at Appointment Committee: