The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) has officially launched its 50th Anniversary celebrations at Hamidu Hall, Teshie, on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, under the theme "Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence in Professional Military Education." The launch marked the commencement of a series of activities aimed at commemorating five decades of excellence in professional military education, strategic leadership development, and dedicated service to Ghana, Africa and the international community.
The event brought together senior military officers, government officials, former Commandants, international alumni, development partners, and representatives of sister security services to commemorate five decades of distinguished service in military education, leadership development, and strategic studies.
Delivering his welcome address, the Commandant of the College, Major General (Maj Gen) Jackson Wunje, described the 50th Anniversary as a significant milestone in the history of the institution and an opportunity to celebrate past achievements while reflecting on the future of professional military education. He noted that since its establishment in 1976 with an initial intake of 28 Ghanaian officers, the College had evolved into a respected regional centre of excellence, producing military leaders who now occupy strategic command, staff, and leadership positions within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), allied militaries, and international organisations.
He highlighted the growing importance of emerging technologies, multi-domain operations, cyberspace, artificial intelligence, and information warfare in modern warfare, stressing the need for the College to continuously adapt its curriculum and infrastructure to remain relevant to evolving security challenges. Maj Gen Wunje also paid tribute to former Commandants, faculty members, and alumni whose contributions had shaped the institution over the years. He further welcomed international alumni from Côte d'Ivoire, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Togo and Zambia, describing their presence as a testament to the College's enduring influence on professional military education across Africa. He also outlined key anniversary activities, including a public lecture, luncheon with past Commandants and international alumni, a health walk and fun games, a thanksgiving service, and a graduation ceremony.
The Guest of Honour for the occasion and Chief of Staff (COS) at the Presidency, Hon Julius Debrah, commended the Ghana Armed Forces and GAFCSC for their immense contribution to professional military education, leadership development, and national security over the past five decades. He noted that the College had become a respected regional centre of excellence whose graduates continue to distinguish themselves in command, staff, and leadership appointments both locally and internationally.
The Chief of Staff further emphasised the importance of innovation, strategic thinking, and collaboration in addressing emerging security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, cyber threats, hybrid warfare, and transnational organised crime. He reaffirmed Government's commitment to supporting institutions that contribute to national development and regional stability, noting that investment in professional military education remains critical to sustaining an effective security architecture.
He also highlighted the need for continuous modernisation of training and academic programmes to reflect the changing character of warfare. He referenced the College's postgraduate offerings, including the Doctor of Philosophy in Defence and International Politics, Master of Science in Defence and International Politics, Master of Science in Security Studies, and the Postgraduate Diploma in Defence and Security Studies, as key instruments bridging professional military training with academic excellence.
As part of the launch activities, the Chief Coordinator of the College, Colonel (Col) George Oduro, led the recognition of strategic partners whose support has contributed significantly to the institution's growth. The United Kingdom and Nigeria were honoured with commemorative plaques in recognition of their longstanding contributions to professional military education, defence cooperation, directing staff exchanges, capacity building, and regional military diplomacy.
In furtherance of the College's expansion agenda, the Guest of Honour cut sod for the proposed construction of GAFCSC students' accommodation and a lecture block aimed at improving teaching, learning, and residential infrastructure. Guests were subsequently taken through an exhibition showcasing the institution's history, portraits of past Commandants, alumni achievements, and anniversary souvenirs including commemorative mugs, shirts, caps, and other branded items.
The launch concluded with a tree-planting ceremony and a reception at Fletcher Mess, marking the beginning of a series of activities to celebrate the College's rich history, honour its pioneers, and reaffirm its position as one of Africa's leading institutions for professional military education and strategic leadership development.
By LAC Dakudji O Majorie