The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) has held matriculation for participants of course 1-2023 under the theme ‘Environment, Security and Development’ at the Burma Hall, Burma Camp on Friday 16 February, 2024.

Speaking at the ceremony the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Staff (COS) at the Presidency, Hon Akosua Frema Osei Opare congratulated the participants for being selected to be part of the course and urged them to use the knowledge and skills they would acquire to enhance security for national development.

According to her, the threats exposed by terrorists demand that the nation equips itself with the necessary knowledge, tools and resources for protection against all forms of aggressions. She added that the objective of the College was to train senior ranking military officials to ensure that the Armed Forces was well equipped to navigate the security landscape.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commandant of the College Major General Irvine Nii-Ayitey Aryeetey said participants would be provided with the requisite study materials, skills and knowledge in order to ensure the smooth running of the course to enrich their critical thinking abilities toward future decision-making.

He further expressed his appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other well-meaning citizens for their immense support towards the College and opening of its maiden course.

The Registrar of the College, Mr Baffour Ohene Asare-Bediako led the course participants to take the matriculation oath; while the Course President, Colonel Richard Mensah on behalf of the participants signed the matriculation certificate.

The participants, 19 in number would be awarded a Master of Strategic Studies Degree (MSS) and Fellow of the National College of Defence Studies (FNCDS) upon successful completion of the 41 weeks programme.

Dignitaries present at the ceremony were the Minister for Defence, Hon Dominic Nitiwul, Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon Kofi Amankwa-Manu, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, Service Chiefs, Heads of Sister Security Agencies, Defence Attaches and senior officers.