Nana Akufo-Addo (M), Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (3rd L), Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (3rd R), Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral James Ohimai Okuson ( Far R)
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 33 to apply their strategic knowledge towards strengthening institutions that promote good governance, development, and unity among nations.
Speaking on the theme “Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa” at the College in Abuja, Nigeria, Mr. Akufo-Addo reflected on Africa’s progress since independence, particularly in advancing the separation of powers among the three arms of government.
He noted that sustainable governance requires political will, citizen participation, and greater investment in education to close governance gaps.
Highlighting the continent’s complex path toward stronger institutions, he underscored the need for tighter oversight, digital transparency, inclusive nation-building, fiscal reform, active citizen participation, and resilient legal systems to foster inclusiveness and end state fragility.
“Strong governance depends on public institutions operating free from political control and accountable to the people,” he said.
Nana Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to address the graduating class, and congratulated the Commandant, Rear Admiral James Okosun, and the College community on the successful completion of Course 33.
Course 33 comprised participants from across Africa, South America, and Asia. In a Facebook post, former President Akufo-Addo praised the National Defence College of Nigeria for its role in developing future strategic leaders with the analytical skills needed to navigate complex defence and security challenges.
He further highlighted Ghana’s own steps in this regard, recalling that in 2023 he commissioned the Ghana College of Defence Studies to train senior-level personnel for national security and defence roles.
In 2024, he granted the College a Presidential Charter, elevating it to an autonomous National Defence University.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, also stressed that strong institutions are vital for democracy, good governance, and economic stability.
He warned that weak institutions breed national instability, while strong ones foster growth and sustainable development.
“Inclusivity and transparency are vital to building citizens’ trust in governance,” the minister noted, adding that regional organisations such as ECOWAS and the African Union have played an important role in promoting good governance and setting continental standards in trade, democracy, and security.
He urged the graduating participants to leverage the knowledge gained during their eleven-month programme to create enabling conditions for peace, stability, and development in their respective countries.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke