Kofi Ampeah Woode
The President of the Republic, and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) – His Excellency (HE) Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, at an extraordinary parade mounted by the Ghana Air Force (GHF), presented prestigious Flying Wings badges to 12 Officers who have completed their Ab Initio Flying Training.
The Wings Parade 2024, took place at the Air Force Base (AFB), Accra, on Friday 29 November 2024, with the C-In-C as the Reviewing Officer, as the six (6) Rotary Wing, and 6 Fixed Wing aircraft pilots, received their distinguished honour.
Six of the Wings recipients were trained at the United States Training Solutions, Titusville Florida, United States of America (USA), between 29 May 2023 and January 2024, whiles the other six were trained at the Skyborne Airline Academy, Vero Beach Florida, USA, between 1 June 2023 and 5 July 2024.
Flying Wings badge provides the means to outwardly distinguish between military pilots and other professionals of the ground forces; the Wings Parade was first instituted in the GHF during pre-independence era, by the United Kingdom Royal Air Force, and was last held in 2001, at the AFB, Takoradi.
The Wings – worn by qualified air crew on the left breast above all others – consist of a monogram and a crown, varying from country to country, however, in Ghana, the monogram represents the GHF, and the crown is a black 5-pointed-star, which represents African emancipation.
The Flying Wings recipients were in 2 categories; Rotary Wing Pilots – 1) Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Christopher Yaw Asuka; 2) Flt Lt Wisdom Seshie Deku; 3) Flt Lt Nii Akrashie Appoe; 4) Flying Officer (Fg Offr) Papa Kojo Ayensu Abrokwa; 5) Fg Offr Manaen Twum Ampadu; 6) Fg Offr Isaac Tuobewer Tanle:
Fixed Wing Pilots – 1) Flt Lt Abdul-Baasit Salifu; 2) Flt Lt Michael Adjei-Banin; 3) Flt Lt Obil Paa Kwesi Grant; 4) Fg Offr Selase Akotia; 5) Fg Offr David Afo-Kangah; and 6) Fg Offr Julius Etroo.
Awards were presented to Officers who distinguished themselves during the training:
SPEED BIRD TROPHY (presented to one who attained highest standard in flying and airmanship), and JE ODAATE BARNOR AWARD (presented to one with the most outstanding flying skills on the fixed wing aircraft), were won by Flt Lt Christopher Yaw Asuka, whiles the JA BRUCE AWARD (presented to one with the most outstanding flying skills on the rotary wing aircraft), was won by Flt Lt Abdul-Baasit Salifu.
The C-In-C said of the 2024 Wings Parade, that it celebrates the courage, discipline and dedication of the newest cohort of aviators, who have earned their Wing badges, in the service of Ghana.
He said the Air Force’s role transcends its military mandate, as it contributes to disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and supports critical national infrastructure, underscoring the versatility and value to the nation.
He urged the newly decorated Officers, to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the state, unflinching in their discipline, and resolute in their pursuit of excellence, as the GHF plays its role in safeguarding Ghana’s sovereignty, and advancing the developmental aspirations of the country.
Present at the parade included Minister for Defence, and member of Parliament for Bimbilla – Mr Dominic Bingab Aduna Nitiwul; Minister for National Security – Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah; National Security Advisor – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Emmanuel Okyere; Chief of the Defence Staff – Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah;
Others included Chief of Air Staff – Air Vice Marshal Frederick Kwasi Asare Bekoe; Chief of Army Staff – Major General (Maj Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona; Chief of Naval Staff – Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu; Chief of Staff, General Headquarters – Maj Gen Joseph Prince Osei-Owusu; Comptroller, Ghana Immigration Service – Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi (Esq); representative of the Inspector General of Police, and heads of sister security services.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
