The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, organised a seminar themed “Life After Service to the Nation” for Participants of Course 2-2025 at the College Auditorium.
The session was chaired by Brigadier General Daniel Frimpong (Rtd), and featured a distinguished panel including former Commandant of Military Academy and Training Schools (MATS), Rear Admiral Tahiru Muniru (Rtd); retired banker, Dr. Kofi Amponsah Kwatia; and former Chief Director at the Ministry of the Interior, Mrs. Adelaide Annor-Kumi (Esq.).
In their opening remarks, the panelists emphasized that retirement is a crucial stage of life which requires deliberate and strategic planning. They noted that despite its inevitability, retirement remains a topic rarely discussed openly in Ghanaian society. They noted that retirement should be viewed as a natural phase of life for which everyone must prepare. They stressed that financial readiness from the first income earning, underscoring the need for continuous savings towards life after active service.
The panel identified three essential pillars for a dignified retirement—health, financial stability, and spirituality ,the God (factor). They advised personnel to secure decent accommodation and reliable transportation before retirement to reduce future burdens.
Participants were also encouraged to invest in health insurance policies and financial instruments such as treasury bills, bonds, and shares to ensure economic sustainability during retirement. The discussion further highlighted the key retirement categories—including compulsory and voluntary retirement, resignation on health grounds, and other provisions under Articles 199 and 145 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
The panelists reiterated the importance of maintaining strong family ties and active social networks—such as church groups, school associations and extended family—to help retirees avoid loneliness, which they cautioned can be detrimental to emotional and psychological well-being.
They stated that retirement should not be viewed as the end of relevance but rather a period to continue contributing to society and leaving a legacy for future generations. However, achieving a fulfilling retirement, they noted, demands conscious investment in personal health, especially as age-related conditions including diabetes, hypertension and prostate issues may arise. Regular medical check-ups—at least twice a year—exercise, responsible eating habits and moderation in alcohol consumption were strongly recommended.
The speakers also advised personnel to cut down on unnecessary expenditure in the final five years before retirement, stressing that financial discipline and sound investments are critical. They warned that monthly pensions often amount to only about one-fifth of one’s salary during active service; therefore, inadequate savings can make post-retirement life challenging.
During an interactive question-and-answer session, participants sought clarification on issues such as timely access to retirement benefits and long-term financial planning. The panel encouraged personnel to set clear life goals, beginning with long-term dreams and breaking them into achievable short-term targets, while familiarizing themselves with employee pension schemes.
The Acting Commandant of NCDS, Brigadier General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, expressed profound appreciation to the panelists for sharing their insights and enriching the participants’ understanding of retirement planning. In line with the College’s tradition, plaques were presented to the Chairman and panelists in recognition of their contribution.
