Ghana Military Academy (GMA) Intake 7 has commemorated 60 years since their enlistment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), celebrating a long journey of service, sacrifice and nation-building.
The milestone was marked with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, at the Garrisons Methodist Presbyterian Church, Burma Camp, followed by a social event at the Air Force Base Senior Mess.
The celebration drew several serving and retired senior officers, including the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, who graced the occasion as the guest of honour.
Intake 7, which originally had more than 100 cadets when they reported for training in 1963, now has only 31 surviving members.
The group, commissioned on October 16, 1965 has produced distinguished military leaders, public servants, diplomats and academics, whose contributions have shaped the Ghana Armed Forces and the nation at large.
Speaking at the luncheon, President of Intake 7, Brigadier General Joseph Kwarteng (Rtd), described the anniversary as a moment of deep reflection and gratitude.
“It is indeed a joyous occasion and every member of Intake 7 should feel proud. Earlier this morning, we thanked God for His blessings over the past six decades of service to Ghana and the world,” he said.
He acknowledged the enduring unity among members, noting that “despite our voluntary nature, 90 percent of all GMA Intake 7 officers are bona fide members of the association.”
General Kwarteng paid glowing tribute to colleagues who laid the foundation for the Intake 7 Association, which continues to thrive on solidarity, brotherliness and a deep commitment to welfare.
He noted that members, now averaging about 83 years of age, remain one of the most active groups of retired officers.
He also acknowledged notable members whose contributions have brought honour to the intake, including former Chief of Defence Staff, General Seth Koranteng, former KNUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eugene Amonoo-Neizer and Major Letitia Redoff, one of the earliest trailblazers of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps, an initiative Intake 7 helped to establish in 1965 under President Kwame Nkrumah.
Honouring a Generational Legacy
Delivering the keynote address, Rear Admiral Bessing commended Intake 7 for six decades of exemplary service that helped strengthen Ghana’s defence architecture and global peacekeeping reputation.
“You are men and women whose lives were shaped by the Ghana Military Academy between 1963 and 1965. Your footprints are visible across the Armed Forces and in public life,” he said.
Intake 7 birth the Women Auxillary Corps in 1965 under Ghana’s first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
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