Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS).
This move is aimed at enhancing the strategic leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and establishing it as a centre of excellence.
Speaking at the maiden graduation ceremony of 19 NCDS Course 1 graduates in Accra, President Akufo-Addo noted the importance of self-reliance in developing military and civilian leaders.
“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 own national security priorities,” he said.
The graduates, comprising 17 senior military officers and two senior civil servants, received Master of Arts in Strategic Studies (MSS) degrees and Fellow of NCDS (fncds) certificates.
President Akufo-Addo urged them to utilise their strategic skills to enhance the GAF’s operations.
The government has secured funding from the Republic of China and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to construct a permanent campus for the college.
Major General Irvine Nii-Ayitey Aryeetey, Commandant of the College, appealed for government assistance in acquiring a permanent site and providing subvention to support the college’s five-year strategic plan.
The ceremony also saw President Akufo-Addo, Vice Admiral Amoama, and Mrs. Douha Smith receiving Honorary Fellowship awards. Colonel Kwesi Ayima, Colonel Foster O. Okae-Yeboah, and Naval Captain Michael A. Larbi received leadership, strategy, and dissertation awards.
