By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, Feb. 17, GNA – Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Chief of Staff, has urged the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) to equip its students with the knowledge and expertise required to ensure the country’s peace, security, and prosperity.
She challenged the College’s Management to find a pathway to the harmonious coexistence of natural resources, human well-being, and national progress.
Madam Osei-Opare made the call during the Maiden Matriculation Ceremony of the National College of Defence Studies Course 1, 2023 Academic Year.
She stated that the establishment of the College demonstrated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the Armed Forces and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex challenges of the contemporary security landscape.
The College was established to nurture and train future leaders of the Armed Forces and Civil Servants from MDAs in Ghana and other African countries with the knowledge, skills, and values required to protect and serve their nations.
Course 1 had 19 students, including 17 Senior Officers from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and one each from the Ministries of Defence and National Security, who will study for 41 weeks.
They will conduct research in Military Science, Defence Studies, Strategic Studies, International Relations, and related subjects, leading to their earning of a master’s degree in strategic studies.
The theme of Course 1 is “Environment, Security, and Development.”
Madam Osei-Opare stated that the timeliness of the College’s establishment would address the complicated relationship between the environment, changing security problems, and the critical need for development.
She emphasized her firm belief that the intricate interplay between these three pillars was critical in establishing a sustainable and successful future for Ghana since it addressed the challenges mentioned in the National Security Strategy document.
The Chief of Staff pointed out that the threats posed by terrorists and violent extremist groups in the sub-region need that “we equip ourselves with the necessary tools and insights to address these challenges head-on.”
She added that the most recent National Security Strategy document identified several security problems, including climate change, youth unemployment, poverty, illegal mining, and vigilantism, among others.
“To tackle these security challenges, Ghana’s national security strategy document emphasizes the crucial role of enhanced regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, and capacity building,” she added.
It also highlights the significance of strengthening border security, improving governance structures, and promoting social and economic development to address the root causes of these challenges.
She stated that the College’s vision and objectives were to produce graduates with the necessary leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to confront Ghana and Africa’s complex security concerns.
The Chief of Staff said the skills and expertise gained by the participant would be critical to strengthening the country’s future strategic landscape.
She assured the Commandant, his faculty, and administrative staff of the government’s commitment to providing them with the resources and facilities they require to produce what the nation needs to develop.
Major-General Irvine Nill-Ayitey Aryeetey, the Commandant of the College commended the government for promoting excellence in professional military education in the country.
He encouraged participants not only to see the programme as an opportunity to advance their careers but also to appreciate the overall goal of instilling critical thinking in them to shape their approach to providing advice to leadership and guiding them in future strategic decision-making.
GNA
