Accra: President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, has pledged his full support for the establishment of the National Defence University by the Ghanaian Military.

According to Ghana News Agency, this specialised institution will offer strategic academic courses to support the government’s efforts for strategic higher education for qualified Ghanaians, both civilians, and military personnel. President Mahama expressed his enthusiasm for the development of the National Defence University, which will operate with a Presidential Charter, during his address at the graduation ceremony of the Regular Career Course 63 of the Ghana Military Academy at Teshie, near Accra.

President Mahama granted the graduating officer cadets of Regular Career Course 63 the President’s Commission into the Ghana Armed Forces. He emphasized that the Presidential Charter gives the Ghana Armed Forces the mandate to enhance teaching and learning to bolster national defence and security.

As part of the National Defence University, the Ghana Military Academy will receive necessary facilities to fulfill its mandate. The President reiterated that this initiative would elevate the commissioning course to a postgraduate diploma for newly commissioned officers, allowing them to graduate with this credential.

Despite facing some challenges, the Ghana Military Academy has remained focused on achieving its objectives. The Academy has a rich history of training many of West Africa’s prominent military leaders, and the National Defence University will offer another opportunity to integrate military discipline and doctrine into higher education.

President Mahama mentioned that the Defence Minister had informed him about the ongoing expansion of the Ghana Military Academy, which is currently in its first phase, with second and third phases anticipated. To enhance functionality, he promised to prioritize the need for a sports complex with a modern gymnasium and swimming pool, as well as the construction of an outer perimeter road to aid training at the Academy.

Addressing regional instability, President Mahama highlighted the impact of terrorism in the West African sub-region, noting that terrorist attacks near Ghana’s northern border have become frequent. He acknowledged that Ghana is not immune to the challenges posed by the global security environment and emphasized the vital role of non-state security actors.

The President called for a comprehensive approach to state security and urged citizens to actively participate in ensuring the security and stability of Ghana. He encouraged Ghanaians to support the security services and the Ghana Armed Forces with valuable information and intelligence to further their work effectively.