President John Dramani Mahama has called on newly commissioned officers of the Ghana Armed Forces to uphold the core values of discipline, courage, and service to the nation as they assume their duties following months of rigorous military training.
The President gave this charge at the graduation and commissioning ceremony for Regular Career Course 63 at the Ghana Military Academy in Accra.
“Today is certainly a momentous occasion, not just for you, the graduating officer cadets, but also for the entire nation and your families. Today, we welcome you to the essential call to leadership and service with the noble colors of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“From today, you shall leave the walls of this academy as proud members of the Ghana Armed Forces, just as many have done before you. Congratulations, my dear graduates in chief of the Armed Forces”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
In a speech laced with emotion and personal reflection, the President recounted the sense of nostalgia he felt returning to the Academy after nine years to preside over the ceremony.
He expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to once again be part of the commissioning of a new generation of military leaders and assured the cadets of the unwavering support of his administration and the people of Ghana.
“You stand here today as a testament to the values of discipline, courage, and dedication that define the Ghana Armed Forces,” President Mahama told the cadets, acknowledging the strenuous nature of their training.
He noted that the commissioning course had tested the physical and intellectual limits of the cadets, and their graduation was proof of their perseverance and potential.
The President was full of praise for the parade’s precision and the display of military discipline exhibited by the cadets during the ceremony.
He described their performance as “spectacular” and an indication of the “months of dedication and commitment” invested in their training.
“The smart and well-coordinated drills and formations, as well as the prompt responsiveness to parade commands, connote the high standard of training these resilient teams have gone through”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama also extended appreciation to the High Command of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Commandant of the Military Academy, and the instructors who, through “devotion and sacrifice,” had transformed civilians into officers.
In a moment of light-hearted humour, he acknowledged the military’s often cheeky reference to civilians as “bloody civilians,” joking, “You didn’t hear anything bloody,” as he corrected himself mid-sentence.
The joke drew laughter from the crowd, even as the President reaffirmed the seriousness of the cadets’ transformation into defenders of national sovereignty and democracy.
Touching on the legacy of the Ghana Military Academy, President Mahama emphasized its historic role in producing some of West Africa’s most revered military leaders.
Despite challenges, he observed, the institution has remained resolute in executing its mandate to train and prepare officers for leadership roles in Ghana’s security architecture and beyond.
National Defence University
In a significant announcement regarding military education, the President expressed delight over the establishment of the National Defence University with a presidential charter.
He described the development as a milestone that would enhance the academic and strategic capacity of the Armed Forces.
According to him, the university would promote advanced teaching and research in national defence and security, further empowering Ghana’s military institutions to respond to the evolving nature of global security threats.
“As one of the constituent colleges of the National Defence University, the Ghana Military Academy will receive the needed facilities to achieve its expanded mandate.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
This move, he explained, aligns with his administration’s vision of a professional and well-educated military capable of contributing to regional and global peacekeeping efforts.
President Mahama concluded his remarks by urging the graduating officers to view their commissioning not as an end, but as the beginning of a life-long commitment to selfless service.
“Your journey as military officers begins today, but remember, this commissioning is not the end — it is merely the beginning of a life of continuous learning, sacrifice, and leadership”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He called on them to remain loyal to the Constitution and the people of Ghana, stressing that leadership must be grounded in humility, integrity, and fairness.
“Let humility guide your authority, and let the respect you earn from your men and women be grounded in the respect you show them”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
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