Defying the Odds: Ghanaian man rejected by Ghana Army at 27 graduates as US Airman at 42

A Ghanaian man who was reportedly rejected by the Ghana Armed Forces over a decade ago has defied the odds and graduated as an Airman First Class (A1C) in the United States Air Force at the age of 42.

Mawuli Bruce Spetua, a former teacher in the Ho West District of Ghana’s Volta Region, had long dreamed of serving his country through the military.

In 2010, at the age of 27, Bruce applied for the Army Officer’s Course in Ghana after completing his degree at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). However, his application was rejected, not due to a lack of qualifications, but because he had exceeded the age limit.

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

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

In a heartfelt social media post, Bruce wrote,

“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.”

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

“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 U.S. Air Force welcomed him, just days before the age cutoff,” Duhoe shared.

“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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