The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) has commenced a two-week Strategic Leadership Course for 50 senior officers and officials from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with an opening ceremony on Monday, 9 November 2026 at the Arakan Officers’ Mess.
The course, scheduled to run from 9 to 20 November 2026, is themed “National Cohesion and Security for Sustainable Development”. It is aimed at strengthening the strategic leadership capabilities of senior public sector officials and equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively manage their respective institutions. It is also designed to provide participants with practical leadership development while minimising prolonged absence from their offices.
The Commandant of NCDS, Major General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, in his welcome address at the opening ceremony mentioned that the course formed part of the College's commitment to developing the leadership capacity of senior public sector officials and preparing them to respond effectively to the demands of strategic leadership and institutional management. Major General Ntiri explained that participants would explore critical areas, including authority and power, principles of strategic leadership, strategic and organisational processes, critical and analytical thinking as well as strategic judgement.
He further indicated that the course would provide participants with opportunities to interact with distinguished faculty members and accomplished practitioners who would share their expertise and experiences in strategic leadership, governance, organisational transformation and decision-making. He expressed optimism that the knowledge and practical insights acquired would enhance the participants' leadership capacities and improve their effectiveness in their respective organisations.
The Guest of Honour, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Eric Agyen-Frempong, in his remarks, underscored the need for leaders to develop the capacity to navigate the increasingly complex and unpredictable security, governance and business environments. He commended the leadership of NCDS and the National Defence University (NDU) for their continued commitment to developing strategic leaders capable of addressing contemporary national and global challenges.
AVM Agyen -Frempong also urged participants to regard the course not merely as an academic exercise but as a valuable investment in their personal growth and professional development. He stated that traditional approaches to leadership were no longer sufficient to address emerging challenges, emphasising that 21st-century leadership required critical thinking, ethical conduct, effective communication and the ability to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances.
Participants were encouraged to establish and strengthen professional networks, exchange ideas and share experiences from their diverse institutional backgrounds for their mutual benefit.
