Accra: The 13th handing-over ceremony of the Air Force Cadet Corps at Sonrise Christian High School took place on Saturday, marking a significant event in conjunction with the school's 17th graduation ceremony. Second Lieutenant Matilda Naakpansun Bagmae from the 66 Artillery Regiment served as the Reviewing Officer for the event.
According to Ghana News Agency, Second Lt. Bagmae praised the cadets for their discipline, resilience, loyalty, and teamwork. She described the ceremony as a 'rite of passage' that symbolizes continuity, discipline, leadership, and service. Emphasizing that the cadet movement transcends mere drills, she highlighted how it instills responsibility, self-discipline, and confidence in its members, preparing them to become capable leaders in the future.
Second Lt. Bagmae underscored that leadership entails responsibility, accountability, and sacrifice for the greater good. She urged the cadets to maintain discipline in all facets of life, including time management, attire, communication, and interactions with teachers, parents, and peers. Expressing gratitude to the outgoing cadet leadership for their dedicated service and high standards, she encouraged the new leaders to set a good example, uphold integrity, and foster unity.
She emphasized that being a cadet is about discipline, respect, and leading with integrity, cautioning against using the uniform to intimidate or mistreat others. True leadership, she noted, is about service rather than arrogance. The Reviewing Officer also reminded students that discipline is the foundation of excellence in both academic and professional spheres.
Additionally, she stated that the Ghana Armed Forces, and specifically the 66 Artillery Regiment, are proud to support youth initiatives like the cadet corps, which promote patriotism, civic responsibility, and leadership. She called on alumni and stakeholders to provide logistical and resource support to sustain effective training for the Sonrise Cadet Corps.
Mr. Desire Akakpo, the school's long-serving Cadet Instructor, lauded the outgoing officers for their dedication, respect, and humility in service. He expressed confidence that the new leaders would follow in their predecessors' footsteps, noting that many former Sonrise cadet officers now hold senior positions within Ghana's security services.
