Participants of NCDS Course 2–2025 Present Findings of ERST-Africa

As part of the Academic programme, six teams from Course 2–2025 of the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) undertook Experiential Research Study Tours (ERST) to three African countries — Zambia, Malawi, and Mauritius from 21 to 30 June 2025. The teams presented their research findings at the college auditorium on Friday, 25 July 2025, under the theme: “SMART Governance for Sustainable Development.” The ERST aimed to equip participants with practical experience in conducting in-depth research, covering aspects such as general and specific objectives, problem statements, and the application of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The ultimate goal was to generate recommendations that could contribute to national development. This was a follow-up of the ERST conducted by the teams to three regions in Ghana and was to set the tone for further studies to be conducted in three countries outside the continent later in the year. Focusing on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the participants examined governance structures and citizen engagement in the host countries. One of the standout insights from Mauritius highlighted the country's successful use of digitalization to strengthen its economy, and its practice of mandatory asset declaration for public officials before taking office. Participants suggested that Ghana could adopt similar measures to promote simplicity, accountability, transparency and good governance. The participants who went to Zambia were also full of commendation for the Zambian National Service programme which was under the Zambian Defence Forces to responded to human security issues affecting the entire state. The participants from Malawi appreciated the development and adoption of the National Development Plan as the National Bible which has been simplified into local languages. The Commandant of NCDS, Brigadier General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, commended the participants for their thorough research and presentation and adviced the participants to come out with reports that could be tailored to meet the demands of the Ghanaian context. He encouraged them to continue working collaboratively, share ideas, and strive for continuous improvement. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Defence Attaché to Zambia, Brigadier Derek Mwendaofyo, and the Defence Attaché of Turkey, Colonel Armed Pakis.