The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has held a ceremony to mark the commencement of its maiden National Defence Studies Course at the Signal Training School in Burma Camp on Thursday, 30 November 2023.

The 41 weeks course under the theme “Environment, Security and Development” is aimed at nurturing and equipping participants with the requisite knowledge, skills and values to safeguard the sovereignty of Ghana. It would also build the capacity of selected senior Officers to conduct scientific research in Military Science, Defence Studies, Strategic Studies, International Relations and related subjects for the award of Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies.

A total of 19 participants, drawn the three services of the Ghana Armed Forces, are nominated for the course. Out of the 19 participants, 12 are from the Ghana Army, 3 from the Ghana Navy, 2 from the Ghana Air Force and a participant each from the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of National Security.

The guest of honour for the ceremony, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama expressed excitement and fulfillment for being part of the major milestone and stated that the College would serve as a foundation for the growth and development of GAF and Ghana as a whole.

He added that the commencement of the institution is a testament of the unwavering commitment of President Nana Addo Danquah Akuff-Addo who directed the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Military High Command to establish a National Defence University (NDU) and a National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) to provide professional military education at the strategic level to assist in proffering possible solutions to contemporary security challenges.

He also mentioned that the Presidential Charter for the establishment of the National Defence University was underway, which he explain would be based on the existing institutions of higher education within GAF, namely, the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Ghana Military Academy (GMA) and National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) and their accompanying infrastructure and campuses.

CDS acknowledged the service commanders as well as Major General Aryitey Aryeetey and his team for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to making the dream of establishing NCDS a reality.

According to the Commandant NCDS, Major General Irvine Nii Aryitey Aryeetey, the occasion signifies a remarkable milestone in defence education and training in Ghana since the College would serve as a bedrock of excellence in professional military education and strategic level.

He further implored participants to engage in rigorous studies and critical thinking to challenge conventional wisdom and strive for higher laurels. He also urged all to seize the opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge and subject themselves to critical discussion strategies to challenge assumptions and develop innovative solutions to complex problems to enhance the security of the country.

“As we embark on this new chapter together let us remember that it is not just a building or an institution it is a symbol of our commitment to safer and stronger and more prosperous Ghana. Together let us march forward to upholding the values of intelligence and ingenuity that define this college,” he added.