Story: Corporal Agyare Bismark
Pictures: Aircraftman Class I Ankomah Robert Peters

The Air Force Recruit Training School (AFRTS) has organised a gender mainstreaming sensitisation training for recruits of Course 1/2026 currently undergoing Basic Military Training. The training, held on Thursday, 6 August 2026, at the School's Lecture Hall, was aimed at equipping recruits with the knowledge and understanding required to promote an inclusive, respectful and professional military environment.

The sensitisation formed part of the Ghana Air Force's commitment to strengthening professionalism, fostering an inclusive service culture and integrating gender perspectives into training and operational activities. It also sought to deepen the recruits' appreciation of gender mainstreaming and its importance in enhancing operational effectiveness within the Ghana Armed Forces.

Addressing the recruits, the Course Officer, Flight Lieutenant Patience Sowah, underscored the importance of mutual respect, equal opportunity and professionalism in building a disciplined and mission-ready Air Force. She noted that every member of the Ghana Armed Forces has a responsibility to uphold the dignity and rights of colleagues, regardless of gender, while contributing to a work environment that promotes teamwork, cohesion and operational effectiveness.

Flight Lieutenant Sowah explained that gender mainstreaming is not about giving preference to one gender over another but about ensuring fairness, equal participation and the effective utilisation of the skills, talents and capabilities of all personnel. She urged the recruits to demonstrate integrity, respect and professionalism throughout their military careers and to reject all forms of discrimination, harassment, sexual exploitation, abuse and gender-based violence.

The sensitisation programme covered topics including the concept of gender mainstreaming, gender equality within the Ghana Armed Forces, the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, workplace ethics, and the importance of respecting diversity in the military workplace.