Participants of the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) have gained insight into Ghana's Foreign Policy on Security and Defence when they visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Integration (MOFA) on Friday, 19 January 2024.

Chief Director for MOFA, Ambassador Ramses Cleland, on behalf of the Minister, Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, explained that the Ministry plays public diplomacy role by engaging with collaborative partners in the formulation of foreign policies.

He said Ghana’s term on the United Nations Security Council was characterized by the demonstration leadership in the pursuance of global peace and security for sustainable and inclusive development, especially on the African continent.

He indicated that the Ministry shared experiences it gained from such exposures with national institutions. Aside from that, the Ministry collaborates with other Council members and partner countries to strengthen relationships that are beneficial to the country.

Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Research Bureau at MOFA, Peter Kobina Taylor, in a presentation, discussed the foreign policy of Ghana on global trends, and the role of the Ministry in promoting national stability. He indicated that Article 40 of the Constitution, 1992 provides the broad principles that underpin the foreign policy of Ghana, mandates the Ministry to promote and protect the interest of Ghana, promote respect of international law and treaty obligations, as well as settlement of disputes through peaceful means, amongst others.

The Director emphasized that Ghana's traditional policy on Pan Africanism, decolonization, and non-alignment encompasses objectives in foreign, security, political, economic, and environmental sectors. He stated the role of the military in foreign affairs, includes ensuring sovereignty, security, crisis assistance, and building capacity to prevent internal and external aggression and assist neighboring countries.

The Deputy Director for Multilateral Relations Bureau at MOFA, Madam Mariam Aba Arhin, discussed the role of the Ministry in promoting Environmental Conservation, particularly in Climate Diplomacy. She added that Ghana actively participates in international climate conferences, negotiations, and partnerships to secure climate finance and technological support, while also enhances its capacity to address climate issues.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Major General Irvine Nii-Aryitey Aryeetey, who led the NDCS participants on the study tour encouraged other institutions to enroll on future courses.