Story: Corporal Ayim Prince (2 Garrison PR Detachment)

Pictures: Aircaftman Class I Ankomah Robert Peters

The Air Force Recruit Training School (AFRTS), Takoradi, has commenced its Inter-Squadron Novices Boxing Competition, scheduled from Monday, 10 August to Friday, 14 August 2026.

The competition brings together recruits from Diamond, CASA, Falcon and MI-17 Squadrons to compete in various boxing categories as part of their military training programme. The event is aimed at promoting physical fitness, discipline, resilience, confidence and healthy competition among the recruits.

Declaring the competition open, the Guest of Honour and Acting Flying Group Commander, Wing Commander Archibald Nana Opoku, described boxing as an important military sport that develops courage, discipline, confidence and mental toughness. He encouraged the recruits to compete with determination, fairness and respect for one another, stressing that their conduct in the ring should reflect the core values and professional standards of the Ghana Air Force.

Wing Commander Opoku further urged the participants to view the competition not only as an opportunity to demonstrate their boxing skills, but also as an avenue to develop qualities essential to military service, including perseverance, self-control and the ability to perform under pressure.

He commended the instructors, coaches, referees and support staff for their dedication and efforts towards organising the competition and expressed confidence that the event would be conducted in a safe, fair and professional manner. He also urged the competing squadrons to demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship and excellence throughout the competition, while wishing all participants success.

The Inter-Squadron Novice Boxing Competition forms part of the comprehensive training programme of the Air Force Recruit Training School, designed to develop physically fit, mentally resilient and disciplined airmen and airwomen capable of meeting the operational demands of the Ghana Air Force and the Ghana Armed Forces.