By Christiana Afua Nyarko, GNA
Accra, Aug. 13, GNA – Air Vice Marshal Joshua Mensah Larkai, Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), has urged the GAF Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) to modernise its curriculum to prepare military leaders for emerging security challenges.
He said artificial intelligence (AI), cyber operations, autonomous systems, information warfare and multi-domain operations were transforming the security environment and the demands on military leaders.
AVM Larkai made the call on Wednesday when he joined officers, students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners and other stakeholders for a health walk to mark the College’s 50th anniversary.
He also called for stronger research, innovation and international partnerships, stressing that professional military education should remain responsive to emerging security challenges.
The health walk began at the Nicholson Sports Stadium at Burma Camp and ended at the 48 Engineers Regiment Parade Square, where participants took part in aerobics before proceeding to the Sappers Sports Complex at the 48 Engineers Regiment Barracks for fun games.
The games included football, volleyball, tug of peace, chess and other sporting activities.
AVM Larkai said the activities went beyond physical exercise, providing an opportunity for personnel to strengthen teamwork, discipline, trust, communication and camaraderie.
He noted that students of the College were often engaged in intensive academic work, with limited opportunities for physical training, making sporting activities important for promoting their physical well-being.
“Effective leadership requires not only a sharp mind, but also a good body and strong character,” he said.
AVM Larkai said the activities also brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners to strengthen relationships and promote their overall well-being.
He commended the College for making the Golden Jubilee a celebration of its achievements, history, heroes and traditions of excellence.
AVM Larkai said preserving the institution’s history and recognising the contributions of former Commandants, faculty, staff and alumni were important to maintaining the institutional memory needed to guide its future development.
He said the GAFCSC had evolved significantly since its establishment in July 1976 with an initial intake of 27 Ghanaian officers, becoming a centre of professional military education whose graduates had served Ghana, Africa and the wider international community.
AVM Larkai said the College’s 50-year journey demonstrated resilience, relevance, adaptability and sustained commitment to its national and international mandate.
“As GAFCSC celebrates the achievements of the past 50 years, we must also prepare confidently for the future,” he said, adding that the changing nature of warfare required military institutions to equip officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate effectively across traditional and emerging domains.
AVM Larkai said the College’s achievements were the result of the collective contributions of successive Commandants, faculty, Directing Staff, administrative and support personnel, among others.
He urged the College community to build on those contributions and ensure that its next phase of development remained anchored in the pursuit of excellence.
The Golden Jubilee activities, which began with an inauguration, public lecture and recognition of former Commandants, are scheduled to culminate in a regimental dinner, religious service and the main Golden Jubilee later this month.
Established in 1976, the GAFCSC provides advanced professional military education and training for officers of the Ghana Armed Forces and personnel from other countries.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
13 Aug. 2026
Reporter: Christiana Afua Nyarko, GNA