TERRORISM: Veep Tasks Armed Forces To Be Prepared For Emerging Threat

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By Frederick E Aggrey

Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman has tasked the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to be prepared to defend the country against emerging global threats.

Identifying the complexities presented by modern security challenges, the Vice President echoed that global security is now complex than ever, with emerging threats such as international conflicts, alliances, power shifts, terrorism, transborder crimes and the likes on the rise.

She identified the glaring security threats staring Ghana’s face in the area of cyber, cross border crimes, political instabilities and diplomatic challenges that seem to threaten Sub Saharan regional concession and safety.

She said that, “As we navigate the complexities of our current global dynamics, including international conflicts, alliances, and power shifts, it is essential for our officers to be trained to broaden their perspectives and enhance their critical and strategic thinking.”

The Vice President was speaking in her capacity as the Chairperson of the Ghana Armed Forces and the guest of honour during the graduation ceremony of newly trained officers and individuals of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College on Friday August 22nd 2025 in Accra.

Emphasizing on the seriousness of the challenges, she indicated that Ghana’s safety is in the hands of our security agencies, especially the Ghana Armed Forces, for which course the country expects them to be ready and able to stand up to the test saying that, “Our collective safety rests in your hands. We continue to believe in you because we know you have undergone the right training.”

It is in the wake of this that she commended extra steps taken by the leadership of the force in preparing personnel against these threats.

It was revealed that the Ghana Armed Forces has introduced an innovation into the curriculum of the staff college in order to get officers ready for the global security dynamics.

“The introduction of the Multi-Domain Operations and Future Wars modules in the Ghana Armed Forces and Staff College is timely, given the evolving nature of contemporary security threats.”, she said.

She added further that technology is shaping the trajectory of modern security, a good reason why the introduction of digitilization and cybesecurity to the staff college is very commendable.

“Digitization awareness and cybersecurity issues are welcome additions to the curriculum, as technology is now shaping the trajectory of modern security operations”, she added.

Meanwhile one significant occurrence was the graduation of some 30 officers from 16 allied African countries, drawing praise from the number two of the land.

She said, “It is gratifying to note that amongst the 135 graduating students are thirty officers from 16 allied African countries and also some civilians who enrolled in the Master’s in Defence program and International Affairs, and the Master’s in Security Studies program”.

“We continue to be proud of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College’s commitment to producing top-notch officers and scholars”, she continued.

The College teaches the value of relationships and networks founded on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation, especially in the fast-changing security environment for about 48 weeks of diligent academic work.

She further advised the graduates that “they should never forget that leadership demands integrity, foresight, adaptability, and a commitment to the greater good”. 

“All of you have come to appreciate different cultural perspectives in the unique melting pot that is the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College”, she said.

She also encouraged “our international graduates to carry the friendships, networks, and lessons home and let them serve as bridges between Ghana and other nations”.

Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Jackson Wonje on his part indicated that the Ghana Armed Forces is grateful to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for their infrastructural funding support aimed at making the force a Modern centre of technological excellence in military education and leadership development.

He also paid a glowing tribute to the 8 fallen heroes who lost their lives in the helicopter crush.

He commended the graduates for their discipline and dedication to duty at this stage of their lives.