Mr Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, Office of the President, during an address at the second matriculation ceremony of the NCDS, said he had been briefed on initial works done to commence construction on a permanent site as well as logistical support for the College.

"I am also aware that some preliminary work has been done to commence the establishment and construction of the NCDS, including the initiation process for a presidential charter for the establishment of a National Defence University granted in December 2023.

I want to assure you that the government will expedite the process to start and complete the construction," he said. The Chief of Staff urged the matriculants to utilise the knowledge and skills at the end of the 46-week training to help address complex societal challenges which threatened peace, security and development.

"The knowledge and skills you will acquire are paramount to improving the future strategic landscape of our dear nation," he said.

This year's batch of matriculants are made up of twenty-six senior officer students with twenty-three from the Ghana Armed Forces and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The remaining three, are from Allied African militaries namely, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zambia.

These officers after training are expected to improve their leadership skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities among other qualities to effectively take over strategic leadership roles to address the causes of Ghana and Africa's complex security challenges such as terrorism and violent extremism.

Major General Irvine Nii Ayitey-Aryeetey, Commandant, NCDS, commended the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for leasing its lodge for temporary use by the NCDS and appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff for the provision of financial resources to furnish the building to "acceptable standards."

Maj. Gen. Nii Ayitey-Aryeetey assured the senior officer students at the college's unrelented efforts to provide them with the best environment for study.

The NCDS is a tri-service institution set up to impart skills in strategic leadership, contemporary management thought, concepts and practices, that lead to effective decision-making, enlightened leadership and efficient resource management to the senior leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces
(GAF), relevant ministries, department and agencies of government.

Established in March 2023 by GAF, the institution offers strategic courses for senior military officers of the rank of colonel or equivalent and relevant national agencies of the same status.

The College was established pursuant to section 29(1) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020 (Act1023)