The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) has conducted a four-day Strategic Making Exercise (STRAMEX) for participants of Course 3-2026 from Monday, 17 to Thursday, 20 August 2026.
The exercise was designed to provide participants with practical experience in the complexities of developing a national security strategy while enhancing the critical thinking, strategic analysis and decision-making skills required to address real-world security challenges.
The primary objective of STRAMEX was to equip participants with the competencies required to operate effectively at the strategic level. As part of the exercise, participants were divided into four syndicates, with each syndicate tasked to develop a comprehensive national security strategy for an assigned country.
Senior Directing Staff (SDS) of the College served as mentors to the respective syndicates, providing guidance, expert advice and strategic guidance throughout the exercise.
The exercise was based on real-world security scenarios but employed fictional countries to simulate the complexities associated with strategic decision-making. As part of the exercise, four National Security Councils were established to deliberate on emerging security trend, make strategic decisions, leading to the development of the respective national security strategies.
STRAMEX therefore provided participants with an opportunity to apply strategic analysis, policy formulation and decision-making skills within a simulated national security environment. The exercise also encouraged collaboration, teamwork and the integration of diverse perspectives in addressing complex security challenges.
The Commandant of NCDS, Major General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, expressed his appreciation to the mentors for their invaluable support and guidance throughout the exercise. He also commended the participants for their commitment, teamwork and active participation.
He encouraged the participants to maintain strong collaboration, professional engagement and continue to develop the strategic leadership competencies required to contribute effectively to national security and development.
