Major General Irvine Nii Ayittey Aryeetey, First Commandant of the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS), has emphasized the importance of defence studies in shaping the future of Ghana’s security and development.
Speaking at the college’s first graduation on Saturday, November 16th, at the Nicholson Stadium, Burma Camp Accra, he noted that the theme “Our Environment, Our Security, Our Development” encapsulated the core focus of the inaugural course.
In his address, Major General Aryeetey expressed his gratitude that His Excellency, the President of Ghana, took time from his busy schedule to attend the event.
“This is a great honor, though perhaps not entirely surprising, as the establishment of this prestigious college was initiated by His Excellency.
It is one of the few such institutions on the continent,” he stated.
Graduation of the First Cohort
The first cohort of 19 participants, which began the course on November 27, 2023, includes 12 officers from the Ghana Army, three from the Ghana Navy, two from the Ghana Air Force, and two senior civil servants at the director level from the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of National Security.
The 41-week program leads to a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Studies, and graduates will also become Fellows of the National College of Defence Studies.
Accreditation and Recognition
Major General Aryeetey proudly informed the attendees that the NCDS has achieved both institutional and program accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.
Additionally, the college now meets all the necessary requirements for operation as a tertiary institution under the mentorship of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
“This recognition solidifies the NCDS as a key institution for strategic-level defense education, both in Ghana and across the continent,” he remarked.
Addressing the Need for Local Strategic Training
Before the college’s establishment, Ghana’s Armed Forces had to rely on foreign development partners for strategic-level training, with only a handful of officers benefiting each year due to the high cost and limited availability.
“The creation of the NCDS allows us to train more officers in a shorter time frame and at a fraction of the cost,” Major General Aryeetey explained.
Training 19 officers and senior civil servants at the NCDS in just one year would have taken three to four years to achieve abroad, he added.
“This is a critical development, as those who graduate will be better prepared to make decisions at the highest levels, and this training is essential for effective leadership in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world.”
Empowering Female Officers
In a historic achievement, Major General Aryeetey announced that two female officers, Captain(GN) Veronica A. Arhin and Group Captain (Gp. Capt) Sophia A Jiagge, are among the first to graduate from the NCDS at the strategic level.
He expressed pride in this milestone, emphasizing that it represents a breakthrough in the training opportunities for women in Ghana’s Armed Forces.
“This is a huge milestone for the Ghana Armed Forces, and we are committed to not only training more female officers at this level but also advocating for their inclusion in key leadership roles,” he said.
Looking to the Future
Major General Aryeetey concluded his address by expressing optimism for the future of the NCDS and the continuing development of strategic-level training.
“We will train even more officers in the years to come, creating a larger pool of strategic thinkers who are prepared to meet the challenges of the future,” he stated.
The event marked a significant step in enhancing Ghana’s defense education system and demonstrated the country’s commitment to building a strong foundation for leadership in defense and security.
Awards
The Class of 2023/2024 saw the presentation of several prestigious awards.
The President’s Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership and outstanding achievements, was named in honor of the President of the Republic for his significant contributions to the establishment of the NCDS.
The award was presented to Captain (GN) Michael A. Larbi, who achieved the highest score in dissertation work.
The award includes a customized ring, a National College of Defence Studies plaque, and a cash prize.
The Strategy Excellence Award, named after Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, was awarded to Colonel Forster O. Okae-Yeboah for his exceptional performance in strategy-making. Vice Admiral Amoama, former Chief of Naval Staff and past Chief of Defense Staff, played a crucial role in the establishment of the NCDS.
The award, sponsored by the Chief of Defense Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, includes a customized ring, a plaque, and a cash prize.
Another distinguished honor, the Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith Award, was presented to Colonel Kwesi Ayima.
Named after the former Chief of Army Staff and Minister for Defense, this award recognizes outstanding leadership and service.
Sponsored by the Smith family, it includes a customized ring, a plaque, and a cash prize valued at 42,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately $2,500) to be distributed over five years.
Some dignitaries present include the President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo, Minister for Defence Dominic Nitiwul, Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China H.E Tong Defa, MP for Korle Klottey Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Major General Bismarak Kwasi Onwona- Chief of Army Staff, Dean of NCDS- Prof JK Akokpari, Dep. Comdt- Brig. Gen. PS Tanye-Kulono, Vice Dean- Dr. P Osei- Kufour.
Others include Chief of Fire Service- CFO Julius A. Kuunour, Comptroller General of Ghana Immigration Service- Kwame Asuah Takyi(ESQ), Director-General of Prisons – Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir, Legal Officer-Wg. Cdr. H Akuoko Adjei, IT Manager- Major AT Azu, ADC to Comdt- Capt K Siaw Adane among others.
