Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) – a constituent college of Ghana’s National Defence University (NDU) – has matriculated 74 military Officers from Botswana, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria, for its 83rd Junior Division Course, to undertake Postgraduate Diploma studies in Defence and Security.
The Matriculation ceremony – formal process of entering a university or college as a candidate for a degree – was held on Friday 14 February 2025, at the ANKRAH HALL, GAFCSC, Otu Barracks, Teshie, Accra, with the Commandant, GAFCSC – Major General (Maj Gen) Matthew Kweku Essien, as the Guest of Honour.
GAFCSC’s Junior Staff Course 83, is the second cohort to earn the Postgraduate Diploma in Defence and Security Studies, however, it becomes the first to earn the degree under the newly chartered NDU.
Having successfully completed the professional military education (PME) programme, the students would obtain the requisite analytical thinking and communication skills, professional knowledge and understanding, and the motivation to support a career in a sub-Unit Command level, within the context of a sub-Unit, and or a Division.
Speaking to the Students, the Commandant told them that they are not only committing to a rigorous academic and professional program, but also embracing the responsibility to contribute to the defence and security of their nations, and the global community.
General Essien said the PME is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to operate effectively in complex and dynamic security environments, and that it is a transformative journey that will challenge, broaden and sharpen their intellect, perspective and leadership capabilities.
Asserting that the ability to analyze complex situations, think strategically, and make sound decisions is at the core of the program, Maj Gen MK Essien said GAFCSC’s curriculum is tailored to address contemporary security challenges, ranging from traditional warfare to asymmetric threats, cybersecurity, and peacekeeping operations.
“The security and stability of our nations depend on the quality of leadership and decision-makers within our armed forces”, Maj gen MK Essien stated.
Addressing them as “future leaders, strategists, and defenders of peace”, he thus urged the students to challenge assumptions, ask questions, and seek innovative solutions.
GAFCSC is well-famed as a Centre of Excellence for higher educational learning in military science, academics and character moulding of its students, developing the knowledge and competence of its students in the performance of their duties, in their career appointments and roles.
Present at the event included the Deputy Commandant, GAFCSC – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Albert Kwadwo Dawohoso; Assistant Commandant, Senior Division – Air Commodore Thomas Nii Fio Okai; Assistant Commandant, Junior Division – Brig Gen Barima Brako Owusu; Dean, Academic Affairs – Dr Napoleon Kurantin; Chief Coordinator, Colonel Kwasi Ayima; Chief Instructors; Members of the Academic Faculty, Acting Registrar – Miss Angelina Anderson; and Members of the Directing Staff
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
