The Air Force Base Tamale (AFB Tamale) has celebrated its annual West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) on Friday 20 December, 2024.

The event brought together officers, soldiers , Defence Civilian Staff, families, friends, corporate entities and other dignitaries to celebrate the achievements of the Base during this year.

The Former Commandant, Ghana Military Academy and Training Schools (MATS), now Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Rear Admiral (R/Adm) Mohammed Munir Tahiru (Rtd) who was the Guest of Honour for the occasion stated that WASSA is simply a time to ‘play hard’. R/Adm Tahiru encouraged all personnel to take advantage of WASSA to entertain themselves and their families. 

“WASSA simply means play hard. You worked hard throughout the year to achieve all we have set. It is time to play hard, so you can embark on more hard work”, he stated.

The Guest of Honour added that uniformed personnel work tirelessly on operations and tasks that take them away from their families who feel the impact of their absence;  hence there is the need for them to cherish family moments when they return.

The Base Commander Air Force Base Tamale, Air Commodore Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, speaking at the ceremony, commended the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe, for his exceptional  leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering support, which have significantly contributed to the remarkable achievements of the Base this year. 

He also expressed gratitude for Air Vice Marshal Bekoe’s dedication to improving the welfare of officers, airmen, and Defence Civilian Staff, noting that such efforts have enhanced morale and operational efficiency across the Bases. 

Additionally, he thanked the CAS for his pivotal role as the main sponsor of the Base’s end-of-year event.

Air Commodore Larkai lauded all personnel for their hard work, and professionalism over the period especially, those who were deployed on OP MAIDA BUURI, OP HALT, MOD Duties and OP PEACE TRAIL  which was undertaken to ensure successful general elections.

The Base Commander thanked the Northern Regional Minister, Hon Alhassan Shani Shaibu, the General Officer Commanding Northern Command, Brigadier General Frank Nartey Tei, members of the Regional Security Council and other partners who continuously supported the Base in diverse ways.

Air Force Base Tamale (AFB Tam) and Air Force Training Command (AFTRAC), recognized and rewarded some outstanding individuals and teams within the Base for their dedication, hard work and team spirit.

The Mechanical Transport Section of the Engineering Wing, the General Duty section of the Administration Wing, the Dispatch Team from the Flying Group and the Petroleum Oil and Lubricants section of the Supply Wing  as well as the Ground Maintenance Team of the Defence Civilian Detachment were awarded for their outstanding contributions to the Base. Senior Warrant Officer Class One Okyne Robert James and Warrant Officer Class One Oblie Mustapha received awards as the 2024 Best Airmen for AFTRAC and AFB Tam, respectively. Squadron Leader Nancy Sowa bagged the Base Commander’s Special Award.