VEEP CHARGES GAF TO UPHOLD TENETS OF PROFESSIONALISM FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Vice President of Ghana and Chairman of the Armed Forces Council, HE Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called on the graduating students of both the Senior Command and Staff Course 45 (SCSC 45) and the Defence and International Politics programme to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He underscored that the government's trust in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is contingent on their unwavering integrity, dedication, and impartiality.
The Vice President delivered this address to the Joint Graduation Ceremony for SCSC 45 and the Master of Science in International Politics (MDIP) Weekend Class of 2024 on Friday 23 August 2024 in Teshie, Accra.
Dr Bawumia congratulated the graduating students and also highlighted GAF's esteemed reputation as one of Africa's premier Armed Forces, citing its significant contributions to global peace through United Nations operations. He attributed this reputation not only to the valour and performance of Ghanaian peacekeepers but also to the academic excellence fostered by the College. Acknowledging the evolving nature of global security threats, the Vice President emphasized the necessity of adapting to modern challenges.
He praised the introduction of the Multi-Domain Operations Module in the College’s curriculum, which equips graduates with the latest knowledge and skills for addressing contemporary security issues. He mentioned that the College has maintained a high standard of learning environment with requisite facilities in the face of numerous constraints to absorb the growing number of students.
The Commandant of the College, Major General Matthew Essien reported that the military component of the course had effectively prepared students to tackle the complex security issues facing Ghana, Africa and the world.
He announced the addition of a Master of Science in Security Studies to the College’s academic offerings, as well as the upcoming launch of a PhD programme in Defence and International Politics next month. The Commandant further indicated that participants for this new programme would be expected from the military, sister security services, local government authorities, private sector, and media.
The graduating course consisted of 98 students, 30 Allied students, and 36 MDIP students, all of whom completed nearly 12 months of intensive academic training. Awards were presented to outstanding students, with Maj E Kuudogrme recognized as the Honor Graduate. Maj Kuudogrme, Lt Cdr Osei Ananso, and Sqn Ldr Dawson-Ahmooah received the Service Awards.
Additional accolades included the Best Allied Student awarded to Sqn Ldr US Brown, the Most Improved Student to Maj SAF Apata, and the Everard Award to Maj M Osman. Maj EK Gamor was honoured as the Best MDIP Student, while Mr. Nuhu Alhassan Dicko earned the Overall Best MDIP Class of 2024 Award and the Best MDIP Dissertation Award.