On Friday, 17th October 2014, Ashesi Alumnus Anthony Kojo Sei Sackey ’11 was commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) by the President of Ghana. Flying Officer Sackey, who left an I.T job in banking to join the GAF, was one of 107 officer cadets who successfully graduated from the Ghana Military Academy, and will serve in the Ghana Air Force. He graduated from Ashesi with a Bsc. in Management Information Systems, and is the first Ashesi alum to join the Air Force.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces President John Mahama, encouraged the newly commissioned officers to abide by the Code of Honour of the GAF and help strengthen the security of Ghana.
“My congratulations goes to all cadets for their successful completion of this demanding training programme,” the President said. “The world is currently faced with new security challenges that require of you a heightened sense of wisdom and innovation. You must strive to conduct your duties as leaders, professionally, selflessly and with a sense of patriotism and nationalism.”
Flying Officer Sackey had always wanted to join the Ghana Air Force, and as a student he signed up to be mentored by a retired Army General under the Career Services Mentorship Programme at Ashesi.
“The decision to join the Armed Forces was a tough one considering the rigor of Ghana Military Academy’s training programme,” Flying Officer Sackey said. “My first thought was to join the army, which I was more familiar with; but I realised later on that I was more excited by the work of the Air Force. Ultimately the most important thing for me was to serve in the Ghana Armed Forces, which I have always dreamed of doing. Being accepted into the Ghana Military Academy was a major breakthrough for me. I have no regrets and I’m especially grateful to Brigadier General R. O. Sackey (Rtd), my mentor, for helping strengthen my resolve to see this through.
Flying Officer Sackey reports to the Takoradi Air Force base in a few weeks, where he will receive further orders on his roles.
“I have been given a great opportunity to serve the Republic of Ghana - a rare kind of opportunity – which I am really grateful for,” Flying Officer Sackey added. “The duty of the Ghana Armed Forces is to defend Ghana whenever and wherever - whether by land, sea or air and even at the peril of our own lives - and that’s exactly what I am going to do. I hope I can inspire pride, and encourage more people to have Ghana at heart in all they do.”
Congratulations, and Godspeed on your new journey, Flying Officer!