At the 2024 Wings Parade, twelve pilots at the Ghana Air Force Base received Aviator Wings, also known as Air Crew Badges and Awards, from Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
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 are the new pilots that were honored after completing the necessary training.
The remaining members are Fg Offr. Selase Akotia, Flt. Lt. Michael Adjei-Banin, Flt. Lt. Obil Paa Kwesi Grant, and Flt. Lt. Abdul-Baasit Salifu. Julius Etroo and Fg Offr David Afo-Kangah.
President Akufo-Addo, who was present in his capacity as the reviewing officer, said that 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” after the new pilots’ arduous journey. He also tasked the “new Wing Officers to make our 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.
“It is proof of your perseverance, resilience, and unyielding commitment to excellence,” he added, praising the new officers’ achievement as more than just a testament to their technical and professional skills.
He discussed how the government is steadfast in its resolve to modernize and retool the Ghanaian military so that it can carry out its mandate effectively and precisely.
We have made investments in the Armed Forces a priority in recent years, he said, with a focus on improving the Ghana Air Force’s operational capability.
“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 emphasized the Air Force’s versatility and worth to our country while applauding its contributions to disaster relief, search and rescue missions, and support for vital national infrastructure, in addition to its military responsibility.
He cited the Air Force’s cooperation with organizations like Ghana Gas and the Volta River Authority as crucial to protecting Ghana’s energy infrastructure and continuously proving its dedication to democracy by enabling the smooth movement of personnel and election supplies during national elections.
Flt. Lt. Christopher Yaw Asuka was awarded the JE Barnor Award for being the officer with the best flying abilities on the rotary wing aircraft and the Speed Bird Trophy for achieving the highest standard in flying and airmanship.
The JA Bruce Award, which is given to the officer with the best flying abilities in a fixed wing aircraft, was also given to Flt. Lt. Abdul-Baasit Salifu.
Source: newsthemegh.com