Story by Capt JN Tay
Photos by WOI Mensah James

As part of his continuing visits to Bases, Commands and Units, the Master Air Warrant Officer (MAWO), Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Amponsem Edward, held a durbar with airmen and women serving at the 37 Military Hospital on Thursday, 10 September 2026.

The visit formed part of efforts by the MAWO to familiarise himself with Air Force personnel across the various Units, formally introduce himself and educate personnel on his responsibilities in supporting the vision and command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong. It also afforded him the opportunity to interact directly with personnel and gain first-hand insight into issues affecting them.

During the engagement, held at the 37 Methodist Presbyterian Church, MWO Amponsem addressed personnel on a range of issues, including discipline, dressing and turnout, operational readiness, security and welfare.

Speaking on discipline, he urged personnel to adhere strictly to Service regulations and instructions in the discharge of their duties. He emphasised that discipline remained fundamental to maintaining an effective and professional Air Force, noting that fewer disciplinary cases would enable Command to devote greater attention to addressing personnel welfare and other pressing needs.

MWO Amponsem also encouraged personnel to respect and make effective use of the chain of command at all levels, stressing that adherence to established channels was essential to maintaining order and ensuring the smooth discharge of duties.

On security and operational readiness, he underscored the need for personnel to remain security conscious at all times, particularly within the barracks and other military installations. He further urged airmen and women to maintain a high level of readiness for deployment whenever and wherever required in service to the Colours.

Addressing personnel welfare, MWO Amponsem assured personnel that their wellbeing remained a priority for Command. He noted that efforts were being made to address welfare challenges confronting personnel, particularly accommodation, and expressed confidence that ongoing interventions would progressively improve the situation.

He further indicated that uniforms would be issued to personnel annually in accordance with the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff.

On dressing and turnout, MWO Amponsem expressed concern about the tendency of some young airmen to wear tight-fitting uniforms and encouraged senior airmen to guide younger personnel on the appropriate standards of dressing. He also highlighted regulations governing approved hairstyles for female personnel and facial hair for male personnel.

As part of the engagement, the MAWO delivered a presentation on proper dressing and turnout, with particular emphasis on the correct wearing of the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). He explained the prescribed standards and encouraged personnel to adhere strictly to the applicable dress regulations in order to uphold the professional image of the Ghana Air Force.

MWO Amponsem also took personnel through the Air Force slogan, which was subsequently chanted by the airmen and women present.

The durbar concluded with an interactive session during which personnel raised questions on promotions, welfare, secondment and other Service-related matters. MWO Amponsem provided clarification on the issues raised and encouraged personnel to remain disciplined, professional and committed to their duties.