The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) 48, has commenced Air Combat Power Week with a lecture on the history and operational capabilities of the Ghana Air Force (GHAF) at Hamidu Hall on Monday, 26 October 2026.
The lecture aimed to familiarize participants with the historical development of the Ghana Air Force, its application of air power in support of national security and development, and the challenges confronting the service.
Delivering the lecture, the Deputy Director, Air Force Peace Support Operations, Wing Commander (Wg Cdr) Benjamin Yao Apau, traced the origins of the service to the establishment of the Flying Training School on 5 March 1959. He highlighted the vision of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and the subsequent development of operational squadrons and air force stations at Accra, Takoradi, and Tamale.
He also outlined the Ghana Air Force's operational roles, including reconnaissance, air transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, internal security operations, and support to civil authorities. The presentation further highlighted the service's contributions to international peace support operations in Mali and South Sudan, as well as challenges relating to its aircraft inventory.
The lecture concluded with an interactive question and answer session, during which participants engaged the lecturer on issues arising from the presentation to broaden their understanding of the history, capabilities, and strategic importance of air power in national defence and development.