By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, July 16, GNA – Parliament has passed the National Defence University Bill, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated university, to consolidate and coordinate the tertiary education programmes of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The new institution is expected to serve as a premier centre of excellence for defence and security education, research, capacity building and policy development in Ghana and across Africa.
The Bill was approved on Friday following consideration of a report by the Joint Committee of Parliament, which described it as a “significant milestone in strengthening defence and security education in the country.”
The National Defence University will offer diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes to both military personnel and civilians engaged in national security and defence.
The Joint Committee said the legislation provides “a robust legal and administrative framework for consolidating existing military institutions into a world-class University.”
“This will enhance national security and regional stability through research, capacity building and policy development,” the Committee’s report stated.
The Committee further noted that the Bill “strikes an appropriate balance between preserving the unique character and discipline of military institutions while upholding the highest standards of academic excellence and governance.”
For more than two decades, key Ghana Armed Forces institutions including the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, the National College of Defence Studies and the Military Health Institutions have operated under mentorship arrangements with established civilian universities.
Although accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, GTEC, to offer postgraduate programmes, they could not independently award degrees.
Following a comprehensive review of the military’s educational institutions, academic programmes and physical facilities, GTEC recommended that the President, through the Ministry of Education, grant the proposed university a Presidential Charter and register it under Section 26 of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020, Act 1023.
The Presidential Charter would enable the National Defence University to independently award certificates, diplomas and degrees for programmes accredited by GTEC.
President John Dramani Mahama subsequently directed the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command, in accordance with Section 29(1) of Act 1023, to establish the university.
With parliamentary approval secured, the National Defence University Bill, 2026 now awaits presidential assent before it becomes law.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
[email protected]