The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has held a special matriculation ceremony for 32 students from Departments and Agencies under the Ministry of National Security.

A statement issued by the UPSA, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the staff were admitted to the Master of Arts degree in Peace, Security and Intelligence (MPSI) for the 2021/2022 academic year.

It said the matriculants comprised 12 females and 30 males.

Speaking at the matriculation ceremony, Professor Abednego F. O. Amartey, the Vice-Chancellor, UPSA, said the MPSI degree was designed to give students “specialised skills to identify, analyse and respond to emerging and complex security challenges.”

He noted that the MPSI course offered prospects for research and innovative thinking for solutions to the myriad of security challenges confronting the African Continent.

"These myriad security challenges require reliable intelligence and effective collaboration of actors from various sectors to achieve sustainable peace and development," he stated.

He said the Master of Arts degree in Peace, Security and Intelligence (MPSI) was timely, considering the recent discourse about violent crimes in Ghana, the dreaded COVID-19 global pandemic and the emerging threats of terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa.

Prof Amartey said the students of MPSI degree would be “equipped with relevant skills and knowledge to perform their roles in an effective and efficient manner in addressing these emerging security challenges.”

The MPSI programme emphasises the use of advanced technological tools and modern security practices across the world.

The statement said, given that, the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) had made significant investments in technological infrastructure to facilitate teaching and learning for the overall benefit of students.

It said the Assembly was composed of Prof Charles Barnor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor; Dr Koryoe Anim-Wright, the Registrar; Mr Anthony Afeadie, Acting Director of Academic Affairs, Deans and Directors of various Departments of UPSA.