The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) has held its 3rd Matriculation Ceremony for Course 3 at the Burma Hall, Burma Camp, officially admitting a new batch of participants into the College’s prestigious strategic-level programme.
A total of twenty-five (25) participants were matriculated, comprising sixteen (16) senior officers from the Ghana Armed Forces, four (4) participants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies and five (5) participants from allied countries including Rwanda, Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia and Namibia. The diverse composition of the cohort reflects the College’s commitment to strengthening civil-military collaboration and promoting a unified approach to addressing emerging national and global security challenges through strategic thinking, policy formulation, leadership development and inter-agency cooperation.
The Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Hon Julius Debrah, who served as the Guest of Honour, congratulated the newly admitted participants and commended the National College of Defence Studies for its consistent efforts in developing high-level human resource capacity for Ghana’s security and governance architecture. He urged the matriculants to embrace the programme with discipline, commitment and an open mind, stressing that the knowledge and experience acquired would be critical in enhancing national security, promoting good governance and supporting national development.
He further emphasised that education remains a key pillar in national transformation and encouraged the College to sustain academic excellence through research, innovation and strategic policy engagement, in line with the evolving security environment.
The President of the National Defence University, Air Vice Marshal Felix Adom Asante, formally admitted the participants into the College and reminded them that the oath administered was not a mere formality, but a solemn pledge that binds them to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism throughout the programme. He noted that the Course is structured to broaden their perspectives and equip them with the analytical and leadership skills required to operate effectively at strategic and policy-making levels. He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the academic and professional opportunities available, including interaction with seasoned faculty and experts, and wished them success in their academic and professional journey.
The Commandant of NCDS, Major General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, expressed appreciation to the government and key stakeholders for their continuous support, noting that their presence at the ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to the growth and progress of the College. He stated that the programme is designed to prepare strategic leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to national security policy, defence planning and decision-making at the highest levels. He further disclosed that at the end of the forty-eight (48) weeks of intensive study, participants would graduate with a Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Studies and would also be conferred with the status of Fellow of the NCDS.
The matriculation ceremony ended with a renewed call on participants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and integrity as they undertake a programme aimed at preparing them for strategic responsibilities in both military and civil leadership. The event highlighted the importance of building a united, competent and forward-thinking leadership front to effectively address evolving security threats, strengthen peacebuilding efforts and promote stability in Ghana and beyond.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon Ernest Brogya Genfi, the National Security Adviser, Hon Prosper Douglas Bani, the Military High Command, senior officers, heads of institutions and other key stakeholders within the defence and security sector.
