The President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, superintended a Wings Parade at the Air Force Base in Accra to decorate 12 newly trained Ghana Air Force pilots on Friday, 29 November 2024.

The wings are presented to qualified and certified pilots to serve as a visible distinction from other professionals in the military. In the Ghana Air Force, the wings are worn on the left breast, above all medal ribbons.

The event marked a milestone for six rotary-wing and six fixed-wing pilots who completed extensive flight training in the United States of America.

The President commended the pilots for their technical skill, perseverance, and dedication. He urged them to use their expertise to enhance the Ghana Air Force’s operations, contributing to the protection of the nation’s airspace and other essential missions, such as disaster relief and safeguarding energy infrastructure.

President Akufo-Addo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing the Air Force under its “Smart Air Force” initiative, which includes procuring advanced aircraft to improve operational efficiency and national development efforts.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe, thanked the government and military high command for supporting the pilots’ training. He encouraged the newly winged aviators to pursue excellence as they embark on their careers.

During the ceremony, outstanding pilots received special awards. Flight Lieutenant Abdul Baasit won the JA Bruce Award for excellence in fixed-wing aircraft flying, while Flight Lieutenant Christopher Yaw Asuka received the JE Odaate Barnor Award and Speed Bird Trophy for exhibiting the most outstanding flying skills on the rotary wing aircraft and attaining the highest standard in flying and airmanship, respectively.

This symbolic and memorable event highlights the Ghana Air Force’s growth and the nation’s focus on strengthening its defense capabilities.