President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, serving as the reviewing officer, presented Aviator Wings and Air Crew Badges to 12 newly graduated pilots at the 2024 Wings Parade held at the Ghana Air Force Base.
The newly commissioned pilots, who completed rigorous training, include 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. Others honoured were 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.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the indispensable role of the Ghana Air Force in protecting national sovereignty and supporting development efforts. He encouraged the new officers to embody resilience, strength, and progress in their service.
“You carry the hopes and expectations of a grateful nation,” the President said. “The path ahead will be challenging, but I am confident you will face it with courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our Republic.”
The President also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to modernizing the Ghana Armed Forces. He highlighted recent investments aimed at enhancing the Air Force’s operational capacity, including fleet refurbishment and plans to acquire advanced fighter aircraft to achieve the vision of a “Smart Air Force.”
“The modernization efforts are aimed at ensuring the Air Force can defend Ghana’s airspace with unmatched capability while contributing significantly to national development,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo praised the Air Force’s contributions beyond its military mandate, citing their role in disaster relief, search and rescue missions, and safeguarding critical infrastructure in collaboration with entities like the Volta River Authority and Ghana Gas. He also commended their support in national elections by facilitating the secure transport of personnel and electoral materials.
At the ceremony, individual pilots were recognized for outstanding performance. Flt. Lt. Christopher Yaw Asuka received the Speed Bird Trophy for excellence in flying and the JE Barnor Award for outstanding rotary wing skills. Flt. Lt. Abdul-Baasit Salifu was awarded the JA Bruce Award for exceptional fixed-wing flying skills.
The event celebrated the technical and professional achievements of the new pilots and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a robust and versatile Air Force.
