[ 2012-09-14 ]

Ghana Air Force inaugurates new air force rank
The Ghana Air Force on Thursday inaugurated a new
rank bringing new changes to the Service's uniform
from the traditional blue braids to gold braids in
commemoration of its 50th anniversary celebration
held in Accra.

The ceremony, which was attended by senior and
junior officers of the Ghana Armed Forces – the
Air Force, Army and the Navy, also saw the
presentation of about 16 golden jubilee
commemorative medals to some personnel of the
Airforce for their dedicated and meritorious
services during the 50 year period.

Performing the inauguration, Chief of Defence
Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Peter A. Blay,
said the inauguration of the new Air Force rank
formed part of restructuring and modernisation
process of the Ghana Armed Forces.

He noted that Armed Forces all over the world are
gradually and systematically undergoing
spectacular changes in their operations and the
Ghana Armed Forces could not be left out but
needed to follow suit.

Lieutenant General Blay charged the officers to
let the inauguration of the new rank and the
presentation of the medals spurred them on to work
efficiently and effectively for the service.

Air Vice Marshall Michael Samson–Oje, Chief of Air
Staff (CAS), said in July 2010 he convened a board
of officers to review certain aspects of the dress
regulations in the Air Force.

“The Board asserted that the gold braids would
make the ranks more visible, attractive and
distinctive from the ranks of other paramilitary
organisations,” he added.

“The change does not only affect the rank, but
also where the new rank will be worn. This is
specific to the service dress where the rank shall
be worn on the shoulder instead of on the cuff.
The obvious advantage is that the gentleman
officer is easily and promptly identified as
such.

“Hitherto the officer in a service dress could
only be identified appropriately after a glance at
the end of his or her sleeve. And believe me,
where the sleeve is covered, identification
becomes a problem unless he or she is a senior
officer with a gorget on the collar”, he said.

Air Vice Samson-Oje said with the change, the
Ghana Air Force had joined renowned Air Forces
such as the US, India, Nigeria and Egypt whose
officers also worn their ranks on the shoulders of
their service dress.

Medals were also presented to all personnel, who
were in active service at the time the service was
50 years in 2009, and went past the half century
mark in 2009.

The medal is embroidery of the aviation blue
background with Airforce colours in vertical
stripes. Attached to the embroidery is a brass
medallion spotting the Ghana Air Force emblem.

Source - GNA

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