By Christiana Afua Nyarko
Accra, May 14, GNA – The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) has matriculated 25 participants for Course Three of its strategic-level programme, reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s security architecture through professional military education.
The ceremony, held at Burma Hall in Accra, brought together senior military officers, government officials, diplomats, academicians and participants from allied African countries.
Major General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, Commandant of the NCDS, described the matriculation as an important milestone in the College’s journey towards becoming a centre of excellence in strategic-level military and security education in Africa and beyond.
He said the 48-week programme would culminate in the award of a Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Studies and conferment of Fellow of the National College of Defence Studies upon successful completion in March 2027.
Maj. Gen. Ntiri noted that participants had undergone a rigorous selection process and met the academic, administrative, and professional standards required for the demanding course.
He highlighted increased participation from allied African countries, with officers drawn from Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zambia, adding that the development would deepen regional cooperation and broaden strategic perspectives.
Maj. Gen. Ntiri also revealed that women constituted about 60 per cent of the cohort.
“Since the establishment of this College in May 2022, the College has made commendable progress. The successful conduct of two previous courses bears testimony to the dedication of faculty, staff and the governing board,” he stated.
Air Vice Marshal Felix Adom Asante, Commandant of the National Defence University, urged participants to uphold discipline, integrity and excellence throughout their academic journey.
“You are not merely participants, but future strategic leaders entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding peace, stability and development,” he said.
AVM Asante explained that the curriculum would expose participants to issues including national security, strategic leadership, defence policy and international relations, encouraging them to demonstrate resilience, critical thinking and professionalism.
Mr Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, described the ceremony as a significant milestone in Ghana’s strategic-level professional military education.
He said the theme for Course Three, “National Cohesiveness, Security and Sustainable Development”, was timely as many societies grappled with political polarisation, ethnic mistrust, economic exclusion, and social injustice.
“National cohesion is not the absence of diversity. Rather, it is the ability of a society to harness its diversity around shared values, common purpose and a collective vision for development,” he said, stressing that cohesion, security and development were interdependent.
Mr. Debrah reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the National Defence University and the College through infrastructure and resources, including the development of a permanent campus.
He commended the College leadership for progress made within a short period and assured the Military High Command of continued support.
The National College of Defence Studies was established in 2022 as part of Ghana’s broader vision to consolidate professional military education and strategic security studies under the National Defence University system.
The University received a Presidential Charter in 2024, paving the way for integration of specialised defence and security institutions under a unified academic structure aimed at enhancing research, leadership development and regional security cooperation.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey