The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) on Monday, 9 March 2026, held the opening ceremony for Strategic Leadership Course 2–2026 at the Defence Mechanical Transport Battalion (Def MTBn), Burma Camp.
The two-week course, scheduled to run from Monday, 9 March to Thursday, 19 March 2026, has brought together participants from various Security Services, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The programme is designed to expose participants to leadership gaps at the strategic level and equip them with creative problem-solving skills. It also aims to create awareness of the importance of metacognitive intelligence for strategic leaders, enhance participants’ ability to apply critical thinking, improve information processing and communication skills, and provide opportunities for professional networking, among other objectives.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, who served as the Guest of Honour, expressed appreciation to the Commandant of NCDS, Major General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, and the course facilitators for the invitation to open the programme. He also congratulated the participants for being selected for the strategic leadership module.
Rear Admiral Bessing noted that the National College of Defence Studies remains the highest institution within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) dedicated to training strategic thinkers capable of addressing complex national challenges. He emphasised that in an era where leadership is increasingly tested by the volatility and complexity of national and global issues, the development of strategic leaders is critical to solving complex problems.
He further stressed that true leadership is defined not by the position one holds but by the positive impact one makes on society. According to him, the course will feature a range of practical learning activities, including simulation exercises, presentations, executive leisure work, syndicate discussions, research assignments, brainstorming sessions and panel discussions.
In his opening remarks, the Commandant of the College, Major General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, thanked Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing for honouring the invitation to serve as Guest of Honour despite his demanding schedule.
Major General Ntiri explained that the strategic modular course was designed specifically for senior-level management personnel who may not be able to participate in the College’s one-year Master of Science in Strategic Studies (MSS) programme due to their demanding professional commitments.
He noted that the module aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to address complex issues at the strategic level. He also encouraged participants to actively share ideas and build professional networks, given the diverse professional backgrounds represented.
In attendance were the President of the National Defence University, Air Vice Marshal Asante, Ghanan Military Academy, Major General Cornelius Komla Lither and the Training and Doctrine Command, Rear Admiral Maxwell Arhen
