Story by Cpl Dakudji O Majorie 

Pictures by L/Cpl Nkansah Herbert

The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Senior Command and Staff Course SCSC 48, has commenced Air Combat Power Week with a lecture on the history and operational capabilities of the Ghana Air Force (GHAF) at Hamidu Hall on Monday 26 October 2026.

The lecture aimed at familiarising participants with the historical development of the GHAF, its application of air power in support of national security and development and the challenges confronting the Service.

The Deputy Director Air Force Peace Support Operations, Wing Commander (Wg Cdr) Benjamin Yao Apau in a lecture, traced the origins of the Service to the establishment of the Flying Training School on 5 March 1959. He highlighted the vision of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and the subsequent development of operational squadrons and air force stations at Accra, Takoradi and Tamale.

He also outlined GHAF’s operational roles, including reconnaissance, air transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, internal security operations and support to civil authorities. The presentation further highlighted the Service’s contributions to international peace support operations in Mali and South Sudan, as well as challenges relating to its aircraft inventory.

The lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants engaged the lecturer on issues arising from the presentation to broaden their understanding of the history, capabilities and strategic importance of air power in national defence and development.