Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Ghana Navy Music School (GNMS), under the Leadership Training School, has held a graduation parade for 45 Bandsmen and women, who have completed the Musician Grade 3 Course 1/2024 (MN3 CSE 1/24), after 24 weeks of intensive and transformative training.
A graduation ceremony was thus held at the Dei-Arms Square, Naval Base, Tema, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), on Wednesday 4 September, 2024, with Colonel (Col) Mathew Kwesi Asuka – Director, Band, Ghana Armed Forces, General Headquarters Band, as the Guest of Honour.
In a speech, Col MK Asuka said the importance of military music in all Armed Forces cannot be overstated; from ceremonial parades, through state functions, providing morale to troops, to representing the nation at international fora.
He said the 45 graduates have undergone rigorous training, mastering instruments, the art of military precision, discipline, and leadership in music – which is a universal language that transcends barriers, uplifts spirits, and has power to inspire unity and courage.
He further stated that the MN3 CSE 1/24 imparted to its participants, skills necessary to perform their duties with excellence, whether on the parade ground, at a concert hall, or during military operations.
The Officer-In-Charge (OIC), GNMS – Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Theophilus Stanley Brocke, in his opening remarks, said the training, which commenced on 22 March, 2024, has instilled in the participants values such as discipline, integrity, teamwork, and excellence.
He urged the trained bandsmen and women, to use their newly acquired knowledge and talents to inspire, comfort, and represent the best of what Armed Forces stand for.
He asserted that music has always been used as a powerful and unifying force within the Ghana Navy, and that the MN3 CSE cohort have mastered the art of military music, discipline, leadership, and teamwork – ethos which are hallmarks of military service.
At the Awards:
Overall Best Student went to Able Seaman Class 2 (AB2) Attafuah Mensimah Emmanuella; 2nd Best to AB2 Awalah Godwin; 3rd Best to AB2 Ayer Kweku Williet; Best in Regimental Band (Practical) to AB2 Ahialengor Divine; Best in Dance Band to AB2 Siaw Junior Asare; and Outstanding/Discipline Student to AB2 Kovey Elikplim Ethel.
Dignitaries present included, Captain (Ghana Navy) Stephen Asante – Command Operations Officer, ENC; Acting Commanding Officer, Leadership Training School – Lt Cdr Achiaw Owusu-Danso; Superintendent Winfred Annang – Director, Ghana Prisons Band; Deputy Superintendent of Police Gerhard Okey – Commander, Ghana Police, Manhean, Tema.
Others were; Naa Omlefo Suolor – Queen Mother of Asoprotsonna, Sakumono Divisional Council; Mr Richchetter Amarhfio – Director, LAIF Fisheries Tema; Fleet Coxswains of Naval Base, Tema, Leadership Training School, and Ghana Navy Band, Fleet Chiefs, and Ratings.
A musical concert will be held on Friday, 6 September, 2024, at the Naval Base, Tema, where the Graduates will demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge.
