The Minister of Education, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, has inaugurated a 19-member Governing Council of the National Defence University (NDU) at the Ministry of Defence to oversee the administration, development and strategic direction of the institution.
During the inauguration ceremony, members of the Council took the Oaths of Office, Secrecy and Allegiance, marking the beginning of their responsibilities in shaping the future of defence and security education in Ghana.
Honourable Haruna Iddrisu explained that the establishment of the National Defence University is intended to unify and strengthen tertiary-level military, defence and security education under a single academic framework. He emphasised the importance of inclusive admission policies in accordance with the National Defence University Act.
The Education Minister further highlighted the need to equip military personnel, security service officers and civilians with the knowledge and professional skills required to respond to emerging security threats, cybersecurity risks and changing geopolitical developments. He added that the university would bring fragmented military and security training institutions together under one collegiate structure to improve coordination and academic excellence.
Defence Minister Highlights Importance of Leadership and National Security Education
The Minister of Defence, Honourable Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, stressed that national security and military strength depend not only on modern equipment and operational capabilities but also on developing the knowledge, character and sound judgement of future leaders.
He noted that contemporary security threats increasingly involve technology, politics, economics and cyber warfare, making advanced defence education essential for national preparedness.
According to the Defence Minister, the National Defence University must prepare military and security personnel with the professional competence, ethical values and leadership qualities needed to exercise their responsibilities effectively and responsibly.
Professor John Owusu Gyapong Outlines Governing Council’s Vision
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, pledged to develop a practical transition and integration plan to guide the university’s operations and institutional development.
He indicated that the Council would prioritise strong institutional culture, academic standards and a clear strategic plan to establish the university as a respected centre for defence and security education.
Professor Gyapong also emphasised the importance of establishing a robust governance framework based on the university’s founding legislation, accountability, consultation and due process. These measures, he explained, would support effective administration and help build an institution with lasting national and continental significance.
National Defence University to Promote Research and Strategic Studies
The National Defence University is expected to become a centre of excellence for strategic studies, military education, operational readiness, research and security policy development.
The institution is also expected to contribute to African-led solutions to peace and security challenges by strengthening professional training, supporting evidence-based policymaking and developing the next generation of defence and security leaders.
The inauguration of the 19-member Governing Council represents an important step in establishing the university’s governance structure and advancing Ghana’s efforts to strengthen defence education, national security preparedness and institutional capacity.
Source: newsthemegh.com