NATIONAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES HOSTS SEMINAR ON POLICY-STRATEGY-OPERATIONS NEXUS

The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) on Thursday hosted a high-level seminar under the theme "Policy, Strategy and Operation Nexus for a National Security Strategy". The seminar aimed at deepening the understanding of participants in the interconnectedness of policy formulation, strategic planning, and operational execution in national security. The seminar, held at the College Auditorium for participants of Course 2–2025, brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the security sector. It was chaired by Brigadier General Samuel Yanyi Akorfur (rtd), Consultant Delink Services Think Tank, and featured a distinguished panel including Rev. Enoch Boadu Amo, Director of Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate (PPBMED) of the Ministry of Interior; Mrs. Levina Addae-Mensah, Executive Director West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP); Mr Samuel Danquah Arkhurst, Chief Economist of the Ministry of Finance; and Captain (GN) Michael Addo Larbi from the Ministry of Defence. In his opening remarks, Brig Gen Akorful (rtd) underscored the imperative of aligning national policy, strategic planning, and operational capabilities to protect the nation’s interests, assets, and citizens from internal and external threats. He emphasized that national security transcends traditional military roles, encompassing governance, civil engagement, economic resilience, and cybersecurity. The panellists elaborated on the critical role of coherence between policy, strategy, and operations in ensuring effective governance and national resilience. They stressed that a well-articulated National Security Strategy (NSS) must be people-centred and all-inclusive, incorporating inputs from civil society organizations which often have grassroots-level insights into community vulnerabilities. Among the key points raised was the need for proactive governmental engagement with the public to foster a shared understanding of national values and priorities. The speakers highlighted institutional bottlenecks and bureaucratic delays within the civil service as impediments to the timely and effective implementation of national security strategies. On the fiscal front, the panelists discussed the significant budgetary allocation to the security sector—estimated at around 90% during the COVID-19 era—underscoring how global crises and natural resource management, particularly Ghana’s gold reserves, have influenced government revenue and spending. Cybersecurity also emerged as a key theme, with discussions centred on strengthening Ghana’s defences against evolving digital threats. The need for continued investment in modernising the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), including maritime, air, and land capabilities, was emphasized. Panelists identified multiple domestic and transnational threats such as chieftaincy disputes, violent extremism, and geopolitical instability. Structural challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient troop accommodations, poor intelligence coordination, and fragile civil-military relations were also discussed as critical areas requiring urgent attention. The seminar concluded with a call for a comprehensive and sustainable National Security Strategy that aligns policy with resources and realities on the ground, ensuring that Ghana remains resilient in the face of emerging security challenges. The Acting Commandant, Brigadier General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, in his remarks expressed his gratitude to the panelists for sharing their experiences and knowledge with the participants. He presented plaques to the Chairman and panelists on behalf of the college.