The Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, has praised the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) for its outstanding contribution to national development and professional military education, describing the institution as a vital pillar in Ghana’s security architecture.
He said the College had, over the past five decades, consistently produced competent, disciplined and visionary military leaders whose professionalism had strengthened national security and enhanced Ghana’s reputation in international peacekeeping operations.
Mr Debrah made the remarks when he delivered the keynote address at the launch of the College’s year-long 50th anniversary celebrations on the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence in Professional Military Education.”
He commended the leadership, faculty and alumni of the institution for maintaining high standards of military education and leadership development, noting that their contributions had earned the College recognition as one of the leading military training institutions in the sub-region.
Strategic leadership
The Chief of Staff said modern security threats demanded military leaders with strategic thinking, sound judgment and academic excellence, adding that GAFCSC had consistently demonstrated its ability to prepare officers to meet those challenges.
He noted that the College’s unique integration of military professionalism with academic scholarship had enabled it to produce officers capable of responding effectively to evolving security issues while upholding democratic values and constitutional governance.
“The institution has become a centre of excellence that continues to shape strategic leaders for Ghana, Africa and beyond,” he stated.
Government’s commitment
Mr Debrah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of the College to ensure it remained at the forefront of professional military education.
He said investing in institutions such as GAFCSC was critical to strengthening Ghana’s defence capabilities and preserving peace and stability within the country and across the West African sub-region.
He urged the College to continue embracing innovation, research and technology-driven learning to equip future military leaders with the skills required to confront emerging security challenges, including terrorism, cyber threats and transnational crime.
President’s message
President John Dramani Mahama, in a commemorative message, also congratulated the College on attaining the milestone and reaffirmed government’s unwavering support for the institution.
He stressed that professional military education remained indispensable to building a modern and efficient armed forces capable of protecting Ghana’s sovereignty and contributing to regional and international peacekeeping efforts.
Symbolic launch
As part of the anniversary launch, Mr Debrah participated in a symbolic tree-planting exercise and cut the sod for an anniversary project, symbolising growth, resilience and the College’s renewed commitment to excellence.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Defence, Emmanuel Kartey, senior military officers, former commandants, development partners and members of the academic community.
The College has lined up a series of activities to mark its golden jubilee, including a public lecture, health walk, fun games, graduation dinner and a thanksgiving service.
The celebrations are expected to reflect on the institution’s achievements over the past 50 years while charting a course for greater excellence in military leadership, strategic education and regional security cooperation.
Mr Debrah expressed confidence that with sustained government support and the dedication of its leadership, the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College would continue to produce world-class military leaders and remain a beacon of excellence in professional military education.
