Story : Flight Sergeant Aidoo O

Photo: Warrant Officer Class I Apedido F

A send-off ceremony has been held for the outgoing Chief Staff Officer (CSO) of the Ghana Air Force, Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, at the Air Force Headquarters  on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

The ceremony marked the official handing-over and taking-over  between Air Commodore Awuah and the Deputy Chief Staff Officer in charge of Administration, Air Commodore Sophia Adzo Jiagge.

Activities for the occasion included the signing of handing-over notes, a durbar attended by officers, airmen, airwomen and defence civilian staff and a reception held at the Air Force Officers' Mess in honour of the outgoing senior officer.

During the ceremony, goodwill messages were delivered by senior officers, the Master Air Warrant Officer and the Civilian Administrative Personnel Officer, all of whom paid glowing tribute to Air Commodore Awuah's exemplary service, leadership and mentorship throughout his military career.

In his address, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, described the occasion as one of gratitude, reflection and recognition of a dedicated officer whose three decades of service had contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Ghana Air Force.

The CAS noted that Air Commodore Awuah belonged to a generation of officers who dedicated themselves to building institutions and developing personnel for the future.

He highlighted the outgoing CSO's distinguished career as a disciplined officer, dependable administrator, dedicated trainer and transformational leader who consistently placed emphasis on human capital development.

On behalf of the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Ghana Air Force, the CAS expressed profound appreciation for Air Commodore Awuah's loyalty, dedication and invaluable service to the nation and wished him and his family good health, happiness and fulfilment in retirement.

In his farewell address, Air Commodore Awuah expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff for the opportunity to serve as Chief Staff Officer under his leadership. He also thanked the staff officers and all personnel whose support contributed to his successful military career.

He thanked his wife, children and loved ones for their unwavering support and sacrifices throughout his military career. He further expressed appreciation for the citation and gifts presented in his honour.

Reflecting on his career journey in the Ghana Air Force, Air Commodore Awuah recounted several key appointments he held, including Commanding Officer of the Air Force Recruit Training School, Directing Staff at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College in both Ghana and Nigeria, Deputy Director Administration, Director Administration and  Commander Air Force Training Command.

Air Commodore Awuah used the occasion to urge young officers  to serve with integrity, embrace humility and invest in the development of their subordinates, stressing that the strength of any institution lies in the quality of its people.