The first batch of Nineteen officers of the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) has been inducted into the college to take courses in strategic leadership programmes and military tactics.
The officers are made up of twelve Army Officers; three from the Ghana Navy, two from the Ghana Air Force, two from the military department and agencies as well as two female participants.
President Akufo Addo who is also the Commander-In Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces early this year opened the College of Defence Studies as a way of training Ghanaians to take up positions in strategic levels instead of traveling oversees to take up such courses.
At the induction religious parade held at Burma Camp, the Chief Executive Officer of the Skones Group of Companies, Alhaji Iddi Sumaila who was the Guest of Honour for the occasion charged the officers to safeguard the peace and security of the country and also maintain high military standard.
The colourful ceremony which saw several military commanders in attendance was also to motivate the participants to interact and learn from the senior commanders as well.
Speaking on the theme : “Environment, Security, and Development, Alhaji Iddi Sumaila noted;
” The three pillars is essential in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for Ghana. By addressing the complex relationship between the environment, evolving security challenges and the imperative need for development the college aims to equip its participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard the nation’s peace and security. Together they will forge a path toward the harmonious coexistence of natural resources, well-being of the people and the progress of the nation.
He charged the participants to maintain high standards above normal military officers.
” The country will depend on your input on discussions of a strategic nature. Again, the taxpayer should see value for money in you. They should benefit tremendously from the investments in the college in terms of human resource development at very strategic level. Ghana and the continent as a
whole should also see the results in economic development to meet the challenging needs on the continent”.
“As you take your next step, proffer measures to strengthen Ghana’s alliances and partnership using your initiative, remembering that not all good ideas come from the best nations with the warcraft carriers and war machines”. He stated.
On his part the Commandant of the National College of Defence Studies, Major General Irvine Nii-Ayitey Aryeetey said, the level of training is important as it exposes the participants to the world of military discipline and strategies.
” Only a few people get the opportunity to do courses outside the country and the government thinks we should get more people into the college so last month the course started and we are not only going to train military officers but also directors at the ministries, departments and agencies to learn about the strategies because without the critical thinking we cannot affect properly the development of our country and this is what we are trying in our own way within the military to give to Ghanaians generally “.
By Richard Bright Addo