At a moment that underscored both national pride and continental solidarity, Ghana’s Vice President, Her Excellency Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, served as Guest of Honor at the joint graduation ceremony of the Senior Command and Staff Course 46, the Master’s in Defence and International Politics, and the Master’s in Security Studies programs at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC).
The ceremony was more than a formal passage of academic achievement; it was a reminder of the vital role of military and security professionals in safeguarding peace, democracy, and stability in Ghana and across Africa.
In her address, the Vice President praised the College’s long-standing reputation for excellence in high-level defense and security training. She emphasized that GAFCSC is not only preparing Ghanaian officers to meet internal and external challenges, but also strengthening bonds across the continent by training officers from sister African nations. “The institution’s commitment to officers from sister African countries strengthens international relations and fosters mutual learning across cultures,” she said.
She also highlighted the introduction of new courses as a mark of the College’s responsiveness to modern security threats — from terrorism and cybercrime to geopolitical instability — stressing the importance of evolving curricula to meet global trends.
The Vice President reaffirmed government’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to fully support the College in its mission to deliver world-class defense and security training.
Turning her attention to the graduates, she acknowledged the sacrifices of families and communities who stood behind them, and urged the officers to serve their nations with integrity, professionalism, and foresight. She also extended warm wishes to the foreign students returning home, encouraging them to maintain the bonds of cooperation and solidarity built in Ghana.
Why This Matters
The Vice President’s message is clear: in an era of complex and shifting threats, security cannot be built in isolation. Ghana’s leadership role in training not just its own officers but also those from across Africa demonstrates the country’s commitment to a more united, resilient continent.
This moment calls on all stakeholders — government, civil society, and international partners — to rally behind institutions like GAFCSC. Strengthening security education is not just about defending borders; it is about protecting people, communities, and the shared values of peace and democracy.
As Vice President Opoku-Agyemang reminded the graduates, the true measure of leadership in security is not power, but service. And in that service lies the promise of a safer Ghana and a stronger Africa.
photo credit: https://web.facebook.com/NJOAgyemang
