The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) has held its maiden graduation ceremony at the Nicholson Stadium, Burma Camp, on Saturday, 16 November 2024, under the theme: “Our Environment, Our Security, Our Development.”

The one-year Master of Arts degree programme in Strategic Studies attracted 19 senior officers of high reputation, who underwent comprehensive training in research and critical thinking.

The Guest of Honour, the President and Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, highlighted that the establishment of the NCDS aimed to immerse military officers in Ghana’s unique security landscape. He noted that the course had equipped participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex security challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, and environmental degradation, which require proactive leadership and strategic foresight. He also encouraged the College to organise short courses in strategic leadership for civil servants.

The C-in-C further revealed that Ghana has secured funding and support from the Government of China and the GETFund to construct a permanent, state-of-the-art campus for the NCDS.

The Commandant of the College, Major General Irvine Nii-Ayitey Aryeetey, expressed gratitude to the President for establishing the College, which has inculcated critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for effective leadership. He noted that the 41-week programme included a research study tour to countries in Africa, Asia, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom.

He also acknowledged the guidance of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the support of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), which were instrumental in making the programme a success. Major General Aryeetey emphasised the necessity of strategic-level training for senior officers and civil servants to enable informed decision-making when addressing multifaceted security threats.

Awards were presented to participants who excelled in specific courses. Colonel Kwasi Ayima received the Late Lieutenant General Joseph Smith (Rtd) Leadership Award, Colonel Foster Okae Yeboah was honoured with the Vice Admiral Seth Amoama Strategy Award, and Naval Captain Michael Addo Larbi won the C-in-C Award for Best Dissertation.