The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe on Wednesday 5 June 2024 held a durbar at the Air Force Base Tamale. The durbar formed part of his first quarter programme to visit the various Bases and interact with personnel. 

On arrival, the CAS inspected a quarter guard mounted in his honour after which he was given an operational, logistical and administrative brief by the Base Commander, Air Commodore JL Mensah-Larkai and the Commander, Air Force Training Command (AFTRAC), Air Commodore Mathias Awuah.

During the durbar, AVM Bekoe urged personnel to be professional at all times especially as the country prepares for the 2024 general elections. He advised personnel to demonstrate a high sense of loyalty to the Country by undertaking every assignment with utmost dedication and professionalism. He also cautioned personnel to desist from partaking in illegal and unauthorised activities.

On operations, he stated that the processes to acquire new aircraft had begun in earnest and was hopeful that it would translate into acquisitions. This he noted would boost the country’s defence and position the Air Force to be effective and efficient.  The CAS also assured personnel of his continuous dedication to the training of personnel.

AVM Bekoe also reiterated efforts being made to ensure the safety, comfort and welfare of personnel. He enumerated some accommodation projects currently ongoing and stated that when completed, it would ease the current accommodation challenges. He also added that the clothing stock had improved as there were plans to issue additional clothing requirements to personnel.

To promote transparency and the sharing of ideas, personnel had the opportunity to ask questions and clear their doubts on various issues. The visit ended with a tour of AFTRAC and some accommodation projects on the Base. The CAS also inspected the old airport terminal handed to the Ghana Air Force by the Ghana Airport Company Ltd.

AVM Bekoe also commended the Base Commander and personnel of the Base for their self-help initiatives. He lauded them for their dedication to duty and urged them to continue to uphold the highest standards of military discipline. Appreciating the visit by the CAS, the Base Commander presented to him an artwork and some souvenirs. The Base Commander also introduced the new General Officer Commanding the Northern Command, Brigadier General Frank Nartey Tei to the CAS.

Accompanying the CAS were, the Deputy Chief Staff Officer Administration, Air Commodore Frank Kobla Kudoh and Directors from the Air Force Headquarters.