The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe on Thursday 11 January, 2024 broke grounds for the construction of a monumental 3-storey, 24-unit studio accommodation for airmen at the Air Force Barracks in Takoradi. 

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, who was the Guest of Honour for the ceremony stated that this was an important milestone in the history of the Ghana Air Force and commended all for being part of the historic event.

Air Vice Marshal Bekoe noted that the recent expansion in the Ghana Armed Forces coupled with the acute accommodation challenges had necessitated the need to provide comfortable accommodation for airmen to enable them to work more effectively and efficiently. He said similar projects had already commenced in Accra and Tamale.

The Chief of the Air Staff added that the drive to re-tool the Air Force was underway and already yielding results. On building capacity of personnel, he stated that his vision was to ensure personnel across the various Branches were trained to undertake their mandates. He mentioned the successful training of 6 helicopter pilots who returned recently from the US and 6 fixed-wing pilots who had completed their private pilot license phase and had progressed to the next stage.  

He also said that the Engineer and Administrative Officers sent to Nigeria and India were also progressing in their training as well as the Air Traffic Controllers who went for training in South Africa.  He announced that his office was working tirelessly to send airmen to pursue various technical courses in Egypt and Nigeria.

AVM Bekoe acknowledged the collective efforts of all stakeholders and tasked personnel to continue to be dedicated, hardworking and committed to inspire higher Command to do more.

The Flying Group Commander of Air Force Base Takoradi, Group Captain (Gp Capt) SY Agbenyefia in her welcome address said the presence of the Chief of the Air Staff underscored the importance the Chief attached to the welfare of personnel. Adding that, his guidance continued to inspire every airman as they strive to achieve the vision of a smart Air Force.

Gp Capt Agbenyefia noted that the ceremony had a profound significance as it marked the first major project initiated by the Chief of the Air Staff in the year 2024. She praised the Chief of the Air Staff’s transformative efforts of re-shaping the Ghana Air Force through the construction of various accommodation projects and the comprehensive training and essential kitting of Airmen which signified a holistic advancement of the entire Ghana Air Force.

The Flying Group Commander extended her deepest appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff and all stakeholders for gracing the occasion.

The Chief of the Air Staff was taken through the pictorial drawings of the project after which he inspected the site for the construction and then officially cut sod for the commencement of the project.

Gracing the occasion were some Deputy Chiefs of Staff from the Air Force Headquarters, the Flag Officer Fleet, Western Naval Command, the Director Engineer Services, the Commanding Officer, 2 Infantry Battalion, Senior Officers, Officers, the Master Air Warrant Officer, Airmen, Civilian Staff, and Retired Airmen.