The National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) organised a seminar on the course theme, “National Cohesion, Security and Sustainable Development,” for participants in Course 3-2026 at the College Auditorium, Burma Camp on Thursday, 11th June 2026. The programme aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the College’s theme as they embarked on their Experiential Research Study (ERS), which examines the linkages between national cohesion, security, and sustainable development in Ghana.
To explore the topic, the College brought together distinguished experts and practitioners. The panel discussion was chaired by Professor Kwesi Aning, former Director of Studies at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). Other panellists included Mr Samuel Passah, Director of Local Governance and Decentralisation; Dr George Amoh of the National Peace Council; and Brigadier General Timothy Bata Bana (PhD), Director of Operations at Ghana’s Ministry of National Security and Head of the National Counter-Terrorism Fusion Centre.
A discussant highlighted key government initiatives within the local governance framework that aim to create the conditions for a cohesive society capable of promoting security and sustainable development. Among the policies identified were the National Decentralisation Policy and the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy. The discussant noted that effective implementation of these policies aims to build a cohesive society less vulnerable to extremist recruitment. However, challenges such as poor land-use planning, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation continue to impede the country’s development efforts. To address these challenges, the discussant recommended measures including digitalising service delivery, decentralising the implementation of the 24-hour economy policy, designing and implementing climate-resilient projects, and advancing the sustainable cities agenda.
Another panellist emphasised that national cohesion is a prerequisite for peace, stability, and development. It was noted that political polarisation and the failure to harness the benefits of diversity continue to fuel societal dissonance. Measures discussed to address polarisation included reforming aspects of the “winner-takes-all” system and shifting public discourse from identities to ideas.
During the discussions, the need for effective inter-agency collaboration was emphasised as essential to achieving the cohesion required to build a modern, stable, and prosperous state. Accordingly, effective governance requires collaboration among all state and non-state actors, including political leaders, public administrators, civil society organisations, citizens, and the defence and security services.
In his closing remarks, the Commandant of the National College of Defence Studies, Major General Frederick Dankyi Ntiri, expressed appreciation to the panellists for honouring the College’s invitation and for sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience with the course members. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during their Experiential Research Study.
