Teshie: Brigadier General CB Alhassan (Rtd), a former Assistant Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), has called upon officers to maintain professional vigilance and intellectual readiness in response to evolving security threats. He highlighted the necessity for officers to possess strong analytical skills, integrity, and adaptability to tackle contemporary challenges such as political instability, terrorism, ethnic and religious conflicts, and environmental and human-induced disasters.
According to Ghana News Agency, Brig. Gen. Alhassan made these remarks during the graduation ceremony of Junior Staff Course 84 at the GAFCSC in Teshie on Thursday. He congratulated the 77 graduates for completing the rigorous five-month course, which enhanced their understanding of national and international issues through a variety of lectures, seminars, and experiential learning sessions led by military instructors, academics, and experts.
The knowledge and skills acquired during the programme are expected to enable the officers to effectively manage complex operational and administrative challenges, as Brig. Gen. Alhassan emphasized the importance of discipline, integrity, and professionalism. He also praised the participation of allied officers from Botswana, The Gambia, Liberia, Niger, and Nigeria, viewing it as a testament to Ghana's dedication to regional cooperation and military integration.
Presenting the school's report, Brig. Gen. K. Ayima, Assistant Commandant of the Junior Division, noted that Junior Staff Course 84 began in August 2025 with a cohort of 77 officers, including 62 from the Ghana Armed Forces and 15 from allied nations. The curriculum focused on developing leadership, analytical, and communication skills, thereby preparing officers for junior and middle-level staff roles.
During the ceremony, outstanding students received recognition for their achievements. Captain DB Opoku of the Ghana Army was named Overall Best Student, while Captain CA Ada of the Nigerian Army earned the Best Allied Student award. Squadron Leader GS Alorvor of the Ghana Air Force received the Best Assistant Commandant's Paper award for his work on integrating proactive mental health care into the Ghana Armed Forces. Additionally, Captain CA Ocansey of the Ghana Army was awarded the Everard Award for academic excellence and professionalism.
The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, established in 1963 initially as the National War College, evolved into the Junior Defence College and adopted its current Junior Division structure in 1976. The College has broadened its academic offerings over the years, training officers from numerous African countries. The Junior Staff Course spans 20 weeks and is designed to prepare selected officers for staff and leadership positions in joint, combined, and multi-agency operations, while also providing postgraduate education in defence and security.