Story by Warrant Officer Class I Amoah Noel King
Pictures by Warrant Officer Class I Anku Mawuli and Corporal Osei Ansh

The Ghana Air Force (GHAF) has reinforced its commitment to aviation safety and operational excellence with the launch of a new Safety Management System Manual and the graduation of the maiden Ghana Air Force Quality Assurance Course at the Ghana Air Force Aviation College (GHAFAC) on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, who was the Guest of Honour, described the initiatives as significant steps towards strengthening safety standards, professionalism and operational effectiveness across the Service.

He noted that rapid technological advancements, increasingly sophisticated aircraft systems and growing digitalisation demanded continuous improvements in training, operations and maintenance practices.

According to him, while technology continued to transform aviation, professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to approved procedures remained fundamental to safe and effective operations.

The CAS emphasised that the Ghana Air Force's safety mantra, “Mission First, Safety Always,” reflected the principle that safety and operational effectiveness were mutually reinforcing.

He explained that the new Safety Management System Manual would provide a structured framework for identifying hazards, managing risks, learning from occurrences and implementing preventive measures to safeguard personnel, aircraft and other resources.

Addressing the graduands, Air Vice Marshal Agyen-Frempong urged them to translate their newly acquired knowledge into practical improvements within their respective Units.

The six-week Quality Assurance Course equipped participants with knowledge and skills in quality assurance, aviation safety, artificial intelligence and the digitalisation of maintenance procedures.

He encouraged the graduands to promote compliance with approved standards, ensure accurate documentation, support digitalisation initiatives and apply emerging technologies responsibly.

He further urged them to foster a proactive safety culture in which personnel could confidently report hazards, identify deficiencies and recommend corrective measures without hesitation.

The CAS commended the Aviation Investigation Bureau, instructors, facilitators and other stakeholders for their contributions. He also congratulated the 31 graduands, comprising five Officers, 24 other personnel and two civilians, describing them as pioneers whose newly acquired expertise would contribute to strengthening quality assurance, aviation safety and operational standards across the Ghana Air Force.