The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), has held its 50th Anniversary Joint Graduation Ceremony for Senior Command and Staff Course 47. A total of 90 officers comprising 64 from the Ghana Armed Forces and civil sector as well as 26 from allied African countries graduated with the Master of Science in Defence and International Politics and the Master of Science in Security Studies, 2026 at the Hamidu Hall, Teshie.
The graduation marked the successful completion of a rigorous academic studies designed to enhance the leadership, analytical and communication skills of senior-level officers to prepare them for command and staff responsibilities in their respective Armed Forces and their institutions. The students had an intensive training including leadership, military operations, intelligence, diplomacy as well as defence and security studies. The programme also featured a Study Tour providing students with practical exposure to socio-economic and security-related issues and enriching their understanding of contemporary international development challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, on behalf of the Vice President and Chairperson of the Armed Forces Council, Her Excellency Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, the Defence Minister, Hon Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, congratulated the graduands on the successful completion of the course and described the occasion as a significant milestone in their careers. He noted that the course had broadened their professional outlook through lectures, seminars, practical and study tours delivered by experienced military officers, academics and experts from various institutions. He expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired would enable the graduands to effectively manage the multidimensional security challenges confronting their respective countries.
Hon Adjei further urged the graduands to apply the knowledge gained with professionalism, discipline, integrity and dedication. He encouraged them to remain proactive, develop problem-solving skills and demonstrate exemplary leadership in future appointments. He also commended the College for its continued contribution to professional military education and praised the participation of allied officers as a testament to the strong cooperation among African Armed Forces. He noted that international demand for training at GAFCSC continues to rise, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding the institution’s infrastructure to prepare strategic thinkers who can lead with foresight and integrity.
Awards were presented to officers who distinguished themselves during the course. Major Kingsley Kwame Kumi of the Ghana Army was adjudged the Overall Best Student, Major Dorothy Brakatu received the Best Commandant’s Paper Award, Squadron Leader Sanda of the Nigerian Army was named Best Allied Student, while Major Sarah Ninson Mishio of the Ghana Army received the prestigious Everard Award.
Gracing the occasion were the Foreign Minister, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; Deputy Defence Minister, Hon Ernest Brogya Genfi; Deputy Transport Minister, Hon Dorcas Affo-Toffey; Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr Emmanuel Kartey; Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong; Service Chiefs, Members of the Armed Forces Council, Generals, Senior officers, Traditional leaders and families of graduands.
