President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the 2024 Wings Parade on Friday presented Aviation Wing Badges to 12 pilots who completed rigorous flight training at the Ghana Air Force Base.
The new pilots are, Flt. Lt. Christopher Yaw Asuka, Flt. Lt. Wisdom Seshie Deku, Flt. Lt. Akrashie Appoe, Fg Offr Papa kojo Ayensu Abrokwa, Fg Offr Manaen Twum Ampadu and Fg Offr Isaac Tuobewere Tanle.
The rest are Flt. Lt. Abdul-Baasit Salifu, Flt Lt. Michael Adjei-Banin, Flt Lt. Obil Paa Kwesi Grant, Fg Offr. Selase Akotia, Fg Offr. David Afo-Kangah and Fg Offr Julius Etroo.
As the reviewing officer, President Akufo-Addo said upon the culmination of the rigorous journey of the new pilots, the country is reminded of the “Ghana Air Force’s indispensable role in safeguarding our sovereignty and advancing the developmental aspirations of our beloved nation”
The President charged the new Wing Officers to make the Ghana Air Force an enduring symbol of strength, resilience and progress.
“You carry with you the hopes and expectations of a grateful nation. The path ahead will not be without its challenges but I am confident that you will rise to the occasion with courage, integrity and an unyielding commitment to our great Republic,” he said.
President Akufo-Asdo commended the feats of the new officers, saying, ” It is proof of your perseverance, resilience, and unyielding commitment to excellence.”
He touched on the government’s unwavering commitment to retool and modernise the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure that they are equipped to execute their mandate with precision and efficiency.
In recent years, the President said that the government has prioritised investments in the Armed Forces, with specific attention to the enhancement of the operational capacity of the Ghana Air Force.
“The refurbishment of our fleet, coupled with the planned procurement of advanced fighter aircraft, represents an impressive stride toward realising the vision of a “Smart Air Force”—an Air Force poised to defend our territorial airspace with unmatched capability while contributing meaningfully to national development,” he added.
The President lauded the contribution of the Air Force particularly in areas of disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and support for critical national infrastructure, and underscored its versatility and value to our nation.
President Akufo-Addo said Ghana Air Force’s collaboration with entities, such as the Volta River Authority and Ghana Gas in safeguarding Ghana’s energy infrastructure and the consistent demonstration of its commitment to facilitating the seamless transport of personnel and electoral materials during national elections is exemplary.
Flt. Lt. Christopher Yaw Asuka, received the Speed Bird Trophy, for attaining the highest standard in flying and airmanship and the JE Barnor Award for being the officer with the most outstanding flying skills on the rotary wing aircraft.
Flt. Lt. Abdul-Baasit Salifu received the JA Bruce Award, which is presented to an officer with the most outstanding flying skills on a fixed-wing aircraft.
Rex Mainoo Yeboah
