Naval Capt. Veronica Arhin receiving her certificate from President Akufo-Addo
President Nana Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to enhancing the National College of Defence Studies’ (NCDS) role as a center of excellence for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
Addressing an inaugural graduation ceremony for Course 1- 2023 (Master of Arts in Strategic Studies (MSS) over the weekend, President Akufo-Addo emphasised that supporting the NCDS would allow Ghana to take ownership of its defense education and reduce the financial burden of sending personnel abroad for training.
“The establishment of this college is not only an administrative move but a forward-thinking decision rooted in our need for self-reliance in developing military and civilian leaders who understand both the global security landscape and our national security priorities,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo said the defense and security education, ensures that training is tailored to address the unique challenges the country faces, saying, “Today, we are confronted with increasingly complex security threats, ranging from terrorism and violent extremism to cybercrime and environmental degradation. These challenges necessitate proactive leadership and strategic foresight.”
He also indicated that the GAF have consistently stood as a pillar of stability, safeguarding Ghana’s sovereignty while also contributing to national development. “Our military has expanded its influence beyond traditional defense roles, engaging in infrastructure projects, disaster response, and humanitarian efforts that have significantly bolstered Ghana’s development.”
He mentioned that the establishment of this college enhances the strategic capacity of the Armed Forces, empowering them to continue playing a central role in our nation’s progress.
President Akufo-Addo further announced that funding has been secured through support from the Republic of China and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GET Fund) to construct a permanent campus for the College.
He encouraged graduates to apply their newly acquired strategic skills to enhance GAF’s operations. Additionally, President Akufo-Addo urged the faculty to remain dynamic and innovative, suggesting the development of short-term modules to expand access to the college’s curricula.
The ceremony held at Burma Camp saw 19 students graduating, including 17 senior military officers and two senior civil servants from the National Security and Ministry of Defence, who received their Master of Arts in Strategic Studies (MSS) degrees.
Major General Irvine Nii-Ayitey Aryeetey, Commandant of the College, reported that the first cohort engaged in study tours and seminars on strategic leadership. He also indicated plans are underway to increase enrollment for Course 2, set to begin in February, 2025 from 19 to 30 participants, while acknowledging that securing a permanent site and funding remain ongoing challenges.
Major General Aryeetey appealed for government assistance in these areas and encouraged ministries and agencies to take advantage of available slots for future courses.
During the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, former CDS and Mrs. Douha Smith, wife of former Ambassador to US, Lt. Gen. Joseph Henry Douha Smith, were conferred with Honorary Fellowship awards by Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, recognising their contributions to Ghana’s defense education.
Also, Colonel Kwesi Ayima, Colonel Foster O. Okae-Yeboah, and Naval Captain Michael A. Larbiwere were presented with leadership, strategy, and dissertation awards that were sponsored by the family of the late Lt. Gen Joseph Henry Douha Smith, Vice Admiral Amoama, and President Akufo-Addo, respectively.
Senior Directing staff of the college, including Major General Aryeetey, were also presented with the Dagger Award by the CDS which represented their fortitude, tenacity, integrity, and intellectual prowess.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke