The event saw the graduation of 135 students, including 30 officers from 16 allied African countries
Naana Jane Opuku-Agyemang has urged graduates of the Senior Command and Staff Course 46 to apply their knowledge and skills to tackle terrorism and insecurity in Africa.
She also encouraged them to remain committed to problem solving, emphasizing the importance of administration and welfare in their roles as future commanders.
The Vice President made the call at a joint graduation ceremony for the Senior Command and Staff Course 46, the Master of Science (MSc) Defence and International Politics, and the MSc Security Studies 2025, programme at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), at Teshie.
The event saw the graduation of 135 students, including 30 officers from 16 allied African countries, and civilians.
Addressing the graduates, the Vice President said the current security challenge facing Ghana and the subregion range placed the collective responsibility for Ghana’s safety in their hands.
The Vice President who challenged the graduates to strive to apply what had learnt to have a positive impact on their respective countries, also called on them to be proud of the investment made in their training, and remain committed to the greater good.
“Never forget that leadership demands integrity, foresight, adaptability and commitment to the greater good,” she said
“We continue to believe in you because we know that you have undergone the right training,” she added.
She said as Ghana navigated the complexities of current global dynamics, including international conflicts, alliances and partnerships, it was essential for its security officers to be trained to broaden their perspectives and enhance their critical and strategic thinking.
She noted that the college had responded to the threats by introducing new disciplines to equip our officers with the necessary knowledge and skills, stating that “these programmers will enhance our officers’ ability to analyze global events, predict potential conflicts and make informed strategic decisions.”
She said, “For instance, the introduction of multi-domain operations and future-wise modules into the curriculum is timely, given the evolving nature of contemporary security threats.”
Emphasizing the importance of the course, she explained that it broadened the knowledge of officers on security issues and equipped them with skills to address national and international security challenges.
The Vice President commended the college for maintaining high standards and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting institutions like GAFCSC to enhance teaching and learning.
Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Jackson Wonje, the Acting Commandant of GAFCSC, highlighted the college’s commitment to maintaining its reputation as a premier center of excellence in military education and strategic thinking.
He said the college had introduced new disciplines in multi-domain operations, future-wise modules, digitization awareness, and cybersecurity, as well as upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service.
Underscoring the importance of the college’s role as a hub for Pan-African military operation and intellectual exchange, he urged the graduates to carry the GAFCSC spirit with them and be exemplary ambassadors of their alma mater.
Awards were presented to deserving students. Major F. D. A. Konadu of the Ghana Army received the Honour Graduate, and the Chief of the Army Staff awards, while Mr. Peter Acheampong Nkrumah Nimako, an Intelligence Officer with the National Investigation Bureau was adjudged the Overall Best Student.
Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) I. Adzayawo of the Ghana Navy, and Squadron Leader (Sqd Ldr) VO Aseidu from the Ghana Air Force picked up the Chief of the Naval Staff, and the Chief of the Air Staff awards respectively, with the Best Allies Student award going to Sqd Ldr T. C. D. Ogoina of the Nigerian Air Force.
Lt Cdr D. A. K. Koulagnan of the Cote d’Ivoire Navy swept the Most Improved Student award, while Lt Colonel S. P. Chibbonta of the Zambia Army, and Major P. N. A. Badger of the Ghana Army took home the Everad, and Commandant’s Research Paper awards, respectively.
The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College play a vital role in promoting regional security and cooperation through its training programmes.
Its commitment to academic excellence and original research is evident in the publication of the African Journal of Defense, Security and Strategy.