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The Ghana Army officers of the Senior Command and Staff Course 46 (SCSC 46) distinguished themselves by winning five prestigious awards at the joint graduation ceremony of SCSC 46 and the Master of Science in Defence and International Politics / Master of Science in Security Studies Class of 2025 (MDIP/MSS 25). The ceremony was held on Friday, 22 August 2025, at Hamidu Hall of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Teshie.As part of the honours, Major Fred Darko Ampem Konadu received both the Honour Graduate Award and the Chief of the Army Staff Award. Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Peprah Obuobi placed second overall, Major Jude Nii Otu Anim took third place, while Major Patience Naa Ayorkor Badger earned first position for the Commandant’s Research Paper. These awards, including the ultimate prize, highlighted the dominance of the Ghana Army at this year’s event.This year’s graduation marked the successful completion of studies by 97 officers: 67 from the Ghana Armed Forces and 30 from 15 allied African countries including Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, and Nigeria. The rest are Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia for SCSC 46. In addition, 36 participants from public and civil services, the private sector, and sister security institutions graduated as part of the MDIP/MSS Class of 2025. The Guest of Honour, Her Excellency Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, extended greetings from the Presidency and congratulated graduates from both SCSC 46 and the MSc programmes.She commended GAFCSC for producing top-tier officers and scholars, emphasizing the college’s role in fostering professional networks grounded in respect, trust, and cooperation.Her Excellency lauded the college’s resilience in maintaining high academic and military standards despite increasing student enrollment. She underscored the importance of preparing officers for evolving global security threats such as climate change, terrorism, and trans-border crime. She further praised the introduction of new disciplines, including multi-domain operations, future warfare models, digitization awareness, and cybersecurity.

Additionally, she highlighted the impact of the college’s new Doctorate in Defence and International Politics and the MSc in Security Studies, noting that such programmes will sharpen officers’ ability to analyze complex global issues and make sound strategic decisions.Her Excellency urged graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to positively transform their nations, upholding integrity, foresight, adaptability, and service to their greater good. She expressed appreciation to the Military High Command, faculty, and staff for their dedication. She further acknowledged the UK Government for sponsoring allied participants. She concluded by wishing all graduates safe travels and continued professional excellence in service.Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Lieutenant Colonel Baadah reflected on their transformative year at GAFCSC. He recounted the challenges of balancing rigorous academic and military training but emphasized how the course exceeded expectations in sharpening staff officer competencies, improving communication skills, and fostering international friendships.He praised the college’s unique combination of academic rigor and military professionalism, which, he noted, instilled intellectual agility and strong ethical grounding. He expressed gratitude to the faculty for their guidance, high standards, and constructive feedback, as well as to families for their sacrifices.Lieutenant Colonel Baadah pledged that the graduates would uphold the highest standards of professionalism, contributing to peace, stability, and development in their respective nations.