NCDS Holds Maiden Matriculation Ceremony

The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) held its maiden matriculation for participants of Course 1-2023 on Friday 16 February 2024 under the theme ‘Environment, Security and Development’ at Burma Hall in Accra. Gracing the occasion as Guest of Honour, the Chief of Staff (COS) at the Presidency, Hon Akosua Frema Osei-Opare congratulated the participants on their selection for the programme and urged them to use the knowledge and skills acquired to enhance security and national development. According to her, the threats posed by terrorists, demand that the nation equips itself with the necessary knowledge, tools and resources to protect the country from these forms of aggressions. Hence, the objective of the College to train strategic leaders capable of maneuvering the security landscape swiftly. The Commandant, National College of Defence Studies, Major General (Maj Gen) Irvine Nii-Ayitey Aryeetey in his welcome address stated that participants would be provided with the requisite study materials, skills and knowledge to ensure the smooth running of the course to enrich their critical thinking abilities toward future decision-making. He further expressed his appreciation to the President of the Republic and the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the military high command and other well-meaning citizens for their immense support towards the commencement of the College’s maiden course. The Registrar of the College, Mr Baffour Ohene Asare-Bediako led the course participants to take the matriculation oath; while the Course President, Colonel Richard Mensah on behalf of the matriculants signed the matriculation register and stated their expectations of the programme. NCDS was established on 31 May 2023 to help offer courses for Senior Military Officers of the rank of Colonel or equivalent and relevant national agencies of the same status under the directive of the President of the Republic. It is a tri-service institution, which is to prepare selected Senior Military Officers and Officers from other security agencies and governmental organisations for strategic leadership and management roles. The College has Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) accreditation and it is mentored by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). The 19 participants upon successful completion of the 41-week programme will be awarded a Master of Strategic Studies Degree (MSS) and Fellow of the National College of Defence Studies (fncds).