Eight officers from the Ghana Air Force (GAF) have successfully completed their basic air traffic control (ATC) course at Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) in South Africa. This milestone represents a significant step in the professional development of these officers and underscores the GAF’s commitment to enhancing air traffic management capabilities.
Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), praised the officers for their “excellent performance” during their training. He personally interacted with them upon their return to the Ghana Air Force Headquarters on 10 September 2024, acknowledging their hard work and dedication throughout the course.
Bekoe, having closely monitored their progress, urged the officers to maintain high standards of conduct and to impart their newly acquired knowledge to their colleagues. This, he emphasized, would ensure the seamless execution of the Ghana Air Force’s mission.
Comprehensive Training
The training program at ATNS covered crucial aspects of air traffic control, including Aerodrome Control Rating, Approach Control Procedure, and Approach Control Radar Rating. These competencies are essential for managing the complexities of air traffic, ensuring safety, and enhancing the efficiency of air travel.
The officers embarked on this training journey in October 2023. During their send-off, Air Vice Marshal Bekoe highlighted the importance of the international exposure and the skills they would gain. “I believe that the exposure you will gain on this course will enhance your skills and enable you to tackle challenging situations with a global perspective. This will enable you to perform your duties effortlessly in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel,” Bekoe stated.
This training not only equips the officers with essential skills but also positions the Ghana Air Force to better support both national and international aviation operations. The completion of this course reflects the GAF’s ongoing efforts to invest in the professional development of its personnel, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern air traffic control.
Although, the Ghana Air Force’s modernization plans have hit a major roadblock due to sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions have severely disrupted the supply chain for spare parts, putting a strain on Ghana’s fleet of Soviet and Russian-origin aircraft.
Despite having a capable but small air force, Ghana faces limitations in supporting international missions.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces and the South African National Defence Force recently intensified their bilateral defence cooperation. A two-day defence meeting held in Ghana served as a platform for high-level discussions, reaffirming their commitment to mutual security and strategic collaboration.
The meeting took place on 29 and 30 July at the Command Officers Mess in Burma Camp, Ghana. Key participants included Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, and South Africa’s Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede. The gathering built upon a February 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for military exchange training programs.
