President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced that, in accordance with Section 29 (1) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), the process of obtaining a Presidential Charter for the establishment of the National Defence University is well underway and will begin early next year.
This strategy is consistent with current efforts to boost the country’s military capabilities and readiness.
The decision follows the recent establishment of a National College of Defence Studies and War College, which is intended to prepare selected senior military officers and civilians for strategic-level command and staff positions by collaborating with defense and national security establishments in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Ghana and allied African countries.
“The program at the National College of Defence Studies aims to produce graduates imbued with leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to address Ghana and Africa’s complex security challenges as well as also build the capacity of selected senior officers’ ability to conduct scientific research in Military Science, Defence Studies, Strategic Studies, International Relations, and other related subjects. The College will offer Masters and Doctoral programs to officers and civilians working with the national security, defense establishments, Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Ghana and allied African countries.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo conveyed this information during the Graduation Parade for Regular Career Course Intake 62 and Short Service Commission/Special Duty Intake 60, at the Ghana Military Academy, Teshie, Accra.
The Need For The National Defence University
He emphasized the importance of the National Defence University, stating that the previous reliance on other countries for strategic-level training was limiting.
“Training for strategic-level appointments and staff responsibilities was provided by partner countries abroad. This limited the number of senior officers, who receive strategic training in the Armed Forces, due to the high cost of undertaking such training abroad.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The President underscored that the National Defense University will serve as the overarching institution for all existing higher education institutions within the Armed Forces. Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Center (KAIPTC), National College of Defence Studies, Ghana Military Academy (GMA), and Ghana Armed Forces Training and Doctrine Command will all have campuses. President Akufo-Addo noted the completion of a three-story, 246-room Officer Cadets’ Hostel, a 16 two-bedroom apartment Officer accommodation for Platoon Commanders, and four two-bedroom apartments for Senior Non-Commissioned Instructors, as evidence of the government’s commitment to elevating the Military Academy to world-class standards. He further mentioned the completion of a 720-seating capacity Academy Auditorium on the western end of Academy Square, aimed at addressing cadet accommodation challenges and facilitating increased enrollment.
Despite these accomplishments, the President acknowledged the awareness of other infrastructural needs of the Academy.
Reflecting on Ghana’s legacy in International Peacekeeping, he emphasized the country’s longstanding commitment to global peace and security since its first participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in 1960.
“Ghana’s commitment to global peace and security dates back to 1960, when Ghana, for the first time, participated in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force deployed in the then Republic of Congo, now the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, Ghana has remained committed and dedicated to the cause of peace, either under the banners of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
Ghana currently ranks as the ninth-largest troop-contributing country in United Nations Peace Support Operations, with a deployed strength of over 2,500 military personnel across fifteen peacekeeping missions worldwide.
The President concluded by mentioning Ghana’s recent withdrawal of its Engineer Company from Mali following the enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2690.
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