The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the establishment of the Ghana Defence University.
He assured the Military High Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) that concrete and strategic steps were being taken to bring the vision to reality.
Finalising modalities
Speaking during a site inspection of the proposed location for the university, the minister disclosed that the government, through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), was finalising modalities to secure sustainable funding and provide the critical infrastructure required for the take-off of the institution.
He further revealed that GH¢25 million had been earmarked as seed funding under the 2026 GETFund formula to support the initial phase of the project.
Mr Iddrisu also indicated that efforts were underway to provide the necessary legal framework for the university.
He noted that he was currently liaising with the Office of the Attorney-General to finalise a draft bill for submission to Parliament for consideration and approval.
Underscoring the significance of the initiative, the education minister described the Ghana Armed Forces as a beacon of discipline and professionalism.
“If there is any institution of the state that still holds the highest standards of professionalism, it is our military,” he stated.
Mr Iddrisu further recommended an expansion of the university’s academic scope to include emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, emphasising the need to align military training with modern technological advancements and global security trends.
He commended the leadership of the GAF for their tenacity and thought, adding that Ghana remained a destination for the training of many military professionals across the
country.
Access to higher education
Mr Iddrisu said it was the desire and pledge of President Mahama to extend access to higher education in every part of the country and in every region of Ghana.
He said the university would focus on strategic studies while accommodating the constituent colleges of the Ghana military and armed forces.
A bill will accordingly be laid before Cabinet for subsequent submission to Parliament for the formalisation of what already exists.
The Ghana Military Academy, the Command College and the Kofi Annan Peace Training Centre would all be part of the constituent colleges of their dedicated military institutions.
I want to personally recognise that in Ghana today, if there is any institution that is upholding the tenets and values of decency and professionalism, the Ghana Armed Forces stand first.
The minister was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, who commended him for his leadership and proactive role in driving the realisation of the Ghana Defence University project.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, highlighted the broader impact of the proposed institution.
He noted that the university would not only serve the Ghana Armed Forces, “but will also provide professional training for other security agencies, including the Police Service, Prisons Service and allied institutions within Ghana and across neighbouring countries.”
The Ghana Defence University, once established, is expected to become a centre of excellence in military education, research and strategic training, significantly contributing to national development, regional cooperation and enhanced security capacity.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
