Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) has held its 11th and 2nd Joint Matriculation for its Master of Science (MSc) in Defence and International Politics (MDIP), and MSc in Security Studies (MSS), respectively, to equip Thirty-six (36) participants with tools to navigate the complexities of international politics, defence and security issues.
The ceremony, which is in adherence to the long-standing tradition of academia, and the admission requirements of GAFCSC, took place on Friday 7 March 2025, to signify the formal initiation, and acceptance of students into the College and programmes of study, for Thirty-three (33) students for MDIP, and 3 for MSS, for 1-year study in the 2025/26 academic year.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour for the Matriculation, the Commandant, GAFCSC – Major General (Maj Gen) Matthew Kweku Essien, said the ceremony is not just a formality, but a rite of passage signifying students’ commitment to advance in knowledge, hone their skills to contribute meaningfully to the fields of defence, security, and international politics.
He added that the two courses will demand intellectual rigour, critical thinking, and a deep sense of responsibility, in an academic journey that spans cyber domains, economic systems, and the very fabric of many societies.
He asserted that the course will challenge the students to think beyond conventional paradigms, question assumptions, and develop innovative solutions to the pressing issues of modern times, for military or civilian professionals, or policymakers.
Describing GAFCSC – a constituent college of Ghana’s National Defense University (NDU) – as a crucible where leaders are forged, General Essien said the course will entail rigorous academic discourse, thought-provoking simulations, and collaborative projects that have real-world relevance.
Taking his turn with the participants, the Dean, Academic Affairs, GAFCSC – Dr Napoleon Korantin said GAFCSC, observing a tradition of descent dressing, appearance and attendance of lectures as a heartbeat, seeks to achieve not only academic excellence, but also the moral uprightness of its students, till their graduation in August 2026.
The cohort includes personnel from GAF, various Security and corporate institutions, media personnel, and former Ministers – Mr Joe Ghartey and Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah
Present at the ceremony included the Assistant Commandant, Junior Division – Brigadier General Barimah Brako Owusu; Chief Coordinator – Colonel Kwasi Ayima, Chief Instructors, Members of the Academic Faculty, the Registrar – Miss Priscilla Owusu; and Members of the Directing Staff.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
