The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) has organised a seminar for participants of Course 3-2026 to deepen their understanding of the formulation and implementation of Ghana’s National Security Strategy and its relationship with defence and military policies.
The seminar, held on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at the NCDS Auditorium, focused on the role of the National Security Strategy as a fundamental framework for strengthening Ghana’s national security architecture and promoting a more cohesive, comprehensive and proactive response to emerging security challenges.
The seminar was chaired by Professor Kwesi Aning, former Dean of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. The panel comprised Dr. Festus Aubyn of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, Major General Emmanuel Kotia (Rtd), and Dr. Bright Mawuko Ayitey Former Director of the Bureau of National Intelligence.
The panelists examined key aspects of the conceptualisation, preparation, development and implementation of a National Security Strategy. They also explored the nexus between national security strategy, defence strategy, and military strategy, , stressing the need for such strategies to remain aligned with Ghana’s broader national objectives.
Discussions further focused on emerging threats and challenges associated with the formulation and implementation of effective defence policies. The speakers emphasised that the National Security Strategy represents the highest-level framework for defining what Ghana seeks to protect and achieve. These priorities include safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, promoting economic stability and protecting the wellbeing of citizens.
The panelists explained that defence strategy serves as a critical bridge between political objectives and military capabilities, translating the broad goals of the National Security Strategy into specific requirements for the defence sector.
They further noted that the legal foundation for Ghana’s national security framework is rooted in Articles 83 and 84 of the 1992 Constitution, as well as the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2026 (Act 1168).
The seminar also provided participants with an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the strategic considerations required to develop a National Security Strategy capable of responding effectively to Ghana’s evolving security environment.
A significant aspect of the discussions centred on emerging and converging security threats and the need for Ghana to strengthen its capacity to anticipate and respond to such threats. The panelists called for a shift from reactive to anticipatory security planning, stronger collaboration among security institutions and continuous adaptation to changing security dynamics.
The Deputy Commandant of the NCDS, Brigadier General Eric Konadu, on behalf of the Commandant, Major General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, expressed appreciation to the distinguished panelists for sharing their knowledge, expertise and experiences with participants.
He said the insights provided during the seminar would contribute to enhancing participants’ understanding of the strategic processes underpinning the formulation of national security, defence and military strategies.
