Congratulations to Akora Cadet Thelma Gbewonyo, OAA 2014, on receiving the Sandhurst Medal after completing the Commissioning Course at the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. She was presented with the honour by Major General Nick Cowley in recognition of her achievement as an international cadet.
As an Officer Cadet, (OCdt) Thelma Abena Nyansa Mawufemor Gbewonyo also graduated as Best Overall Officer Cadet on the latest Pre-Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) course. Delivered by the Defence Academy’s Defence College of Language and Culture (DCLC)
OCdt Gbewonyo, who was selected from the Ghana Military Academy to attend Sandhurst has been speaking about the influential women who have inspired her to pursue a defence career.
“Growing up I saw my mother work very hard as a soldier. When she was in training, she told herself that if her fellow female cadets could do it, so could she. This was the mindset she instilled in me.”
Aside from my mother, I have been blessed and inspired by many other women. These include the Lady Reverend Grace-Tera Korsinah, founder of Kingdom Women Network, Dr Paulina Kuranchie, my lecturer from tertiary school, and Major General Constance Emefa Edjeani-Afenu – Ghana’s first female General. I never met her but her story which is told in the memoir ‘The Lady in Boots’ inspires me to strive in my career.”
“The common thread between these amazing women is their faith in God. They all understood the need to submit to God, even as you work hard on your own part.”
“I hope to become the best version of myself; to learn all there is to be learned and to create a network that will be beneficial to the Ghana armed forces.”
“In considering a career in defence, I would say this to other women. Have an unflinching faith in God, an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, genuine respect for others, mental robustness, constant physical training, and effective learning.”
Ayekoo Akora Thelma
