By Christiana Afua Nyarko, GNA
Accra, June 19, GNA – Young military officers have been urged to remain professionally competent and prepared to respond to emerging security threats confronting Africa and the wider international community.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over terrorism, violent extremism, ethnic conflicts, environmental disasters and humanitarian crises, which continue to challenge peace and security across the continent.
Brigadier General Adjetey Annan (Rtd) made the call at the graduation ceremony of Junior Staff Course (JSC) 85 and the Post Graduate Diploma in Defence and Security Studies at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) in Teshie, Accra.
He said the complex security environment demanded officers who were analytical, disciplined and capable of responding effectively to contemporary challenges.
Brig. Gen. Annan noted that instability in parts of West Africa and other regions continued to pose serious threats to human security and underscored the need for military leaders to deepen their understanding of the causes of conflicts and develop appropriate responses.
He explained that the 20-week staff training programme had broadened the professional outlook of participants through lectures, seminars, field studies and practical exercises designed to prepare them for junior and middle-level command and staff appointments.
Brig. Gen. Annan commended the graduates for their resilience and dedication throughout the rigorous course and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the discharge of their duties.
He also praised the participation of officers from allied African countries, describing it as a demonstration of growing military cooperation and integration among African states.
A total of 74 officers graduated from JSC 85, comprising 66 officers from the Ghana Armed Forces and eight allied officers.
The allied officers included five from Nigeria and one each from Burkina Faso, The Gambia and Niger.
Awards were presented to outstanding participants.
Captain OG Oliver of the Nigerian Army received the Best Allied Student Award, Major JE Mozu of the Ghana Army won the Everard Award, while Captain EY Babilah of the Ghana Army was adjudged the Overall Best Student.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Captain Samuel Dane Osim-Asu of the Nigerian Army described the training as impactful and professionally rewarding.
He said the course had equipped participants with the rudiments of staff duties and enhanced their ability to perform effectively in military appointments.
Capt Osim-Asu expressed gratitude for winning the Second Best Assistant Commandant’s Paper Award, describing it as a memorable achievement from a prestigious military institution.
The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College traces its origins to the National War College, established on October 14, 1963, to train selected officers of the Ghana Armed Forces for staff and higher command appointments.
The institution subsequently evolved into the Junior Division of the GAFCSC in 1976 and has since trained officers from Ghana and several allied African countries.
The graduation ceremony formed part of the College’s mandate to prepare middle-level military officers and other security personnel for command, staff and leadership responsibilities in joint, combined and multi-agency operations.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter Christiana Afua Nyarko, GNA