John Odaate – Barnor

Air Vice Marshal John E. Odaate-Barnor (30 May 1937 – 31 August 2012) was a Ghanaian airman and diplomat. He was a former Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces. He served in this capacity from 7 December 1979 till 31 December 1981.

Early life and education Odaate-Barnor was born in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. His primary education was at the Presbyterian Primary School, Mpraeso. He proceeded to the Presbyterian Middle School at Abetifi, which he completed in 1951. His secondary education was at the Abuakwa State College at Kibi in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He graduated in 1955.

Army career He was one of the first to enlist in the Air Force Cadet in July 1959 and completed his training with the Royal Air Force in August 1961 in the United Kingdom. He was commissioned on 20 January 1961. After his return to Ghana from Canada, where he had further training, he was based at the Air Force Base at Takoradi in the Western Region. He became garrison commander in 1972. After his diplomatic service, he was appointed commandant of the Armed Forces Staff College in 1977, the second person to hold this position. He became the Air Force Commander in May 1979. He was appointed Chief of the Defence Staff in May 1980 by the Limann government.