Ghanaian Teacher Rejected by GAF Achieves Dream as US Air Force Graduate at 42

• A Ghanaian man was rejected by the Ghana Armed Forces for exceeding the officer cadet age limit
• Despite the setback, Bruce pursued his dream abroad and eventually joined the United States Air Force
• On July 27, 2025, Bruce defied odds and graduated as an Airman First Class in the US Air Force at 42

A Ghanaian man has become an inspiration to many after allegedly being rejected by the Ghana Armed Forces over a decade ago for a trivial reason.

The Ghanaian man, identified as Mawuli Bruce Spetua, went from a GAF reject to a United States Air Force graduate.

YEN.com.gh reports that Bruce was a former teacher in the Ho West District of Ghana’s Volta Region.

He had high hopes of serving his country through the military; however, he was met with disappointment.

Despite the rejection from his country, he graduated as an Airman First Class (A1C) in the United States Air Force at the age of 42.

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Bruce graduates as US Airman

15 years ago, Bruce, when he was 27, decided to venture into the Ghana Army after completing his studies at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

He applied for the Army Officers’ Course in Ghana. Unfortunately, his application was rejected, not because he lacks qualifications, but because of his age.

The age limit for a regular officer cadet in the Ghana Armed Forces is 18 to 26 years old. Bruce did not give up on his dreams.

Bruce Spetua celebrates US Airman milestone

Years later, and thousands of miles away, that same dream was reignited.

On July 27, 2025, just days after his 42nd birthday and just within the US military's age cutoff, Spetua announced his graduation as an Airman First Class (A1C) in the US Air Force.

Taking to social media, Bruce made the announcement:

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“It’s an honor to graduate as an Airman First Class (A1C) of the world’s most powerful space force. Glory to God in the highest, and to my Empress Enyonam Akorfa Amuzu for paving the way for me. I am forever grateful.”

See his post below.

According to journalist Fred Duhoe, Bruce’s journey is a powerful example of how different systems recognise and reward perseverance and potential.

In his words:

“At 27, Mawuli Bruce Spetua was rejected by the Ghana Army despite holding a degree from UCC and applying for the Army Officer’s Course. His qualifications weren’t enough. Years later, at 42, the US Air Force welcomed him, just days before the age cutoff.”

“With an MBA in hand and a dedicated recruiter, he excelled in training and graduated as an Airman First Class. In Ghana, his age was a barrier; in the U.S., his potential shone through,” the post added.

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See Fred's post below.

British-Ghanaian child wins court appeal after denial

YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that the UK Court of Appeal overturned a High Court ruling, allowing a 14-year-old British-Ghanaian boy to return from Ghana.

Judges found that the lower court failed to fully consider the boy’s emotional distress, psychological harm, and lack of consent.

The case raised concerns about parental responsibility and children's rights under UK and international law.

Source: YEN.com.gh